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MASONIC MONITOR 

OF THE DEGREES OF 

Entered Apprentice, Fellow 
Craft and Master Mason 

TOGETHER WITH THE 

Ceremony of Reception of Visitors, Institut- 
ing and Constituting Lodges, Installations, 
Laying Corner Stones, Dedications, 
Masonic Burial, and Lodge 
of Sorrow 



LOUISIANA EDITION 



GEORGE THORNBURGH 

P G. M.. and Custodian of the Secret Work 



COPYRIGHT 1909 BY 

(iEORGE THORNBURGH 
LITTLE ROCK, AUK. 



in 



v* 



• 



LOUISIANA EDITION. 

This edition of the Masonic Monitor published by 
Past Grand Master George Thornburgh of Little Rock, 
Ark., has been prepared and issued especially for the 
jurisdiction of Louisiana. At the request of the author, 
we assisted in revising it, and made such changes as 
would make it conform to the work in Louisiana. We 
now recommend the Monitor to all the Lodges and 
brethren in this jurisdiction. 

J. H. Caldwell, 
W. M. Baker, 

Grand Lecturers of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. 
of Louisiana. 

I wish to thank Brothers Caldwell and Baker for their 
valuable assistance in revising the Monitor so as to make 
it conform to the work in their jurisdiction. This 
edition is practically a Louisiana Monitor. 



klSRARY of CONGRESS 
| Two Cortes Received 

MAY 29,1809 



ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

The following order of business shall be observed. 
Reading of Minutes. 
Reports of Committees on Petitions. 

3. Balloting of Petitions. 

4. Report of Relief Committee. 
Reports of Other Committees. 

6. Reception and Reference of Petitions. 

7. Communications from Grand and Sister Lodges. 
Unfinished Business 
New Business. 

Conferring Degrees, Remarks for "Good of the 

Craft." 

The W. M. may, at his pleasure, transpose the order 
of business. 



CONTENTS. 

Opening the Lodge 13 

Opening Prayer 14 

Closing Prayer 15 

Closing Ceremonies 16 

Entered Apprentice 17 

Fellow Craft 41 

Master Mason 56 

Reception of Visitors 75 

Instituting Lodge 79 

Constituting Lodge 83 

Installation 90 

Laying Corner Stone 108 

Dedication of Hall 118 

Funerals 128 

Lodge of Sorrow 157 



CERTIFICATE AND RECOMMENDATION 

This is to Certify that we have examined 
the manuscript of the Monitor, prepared by 
Bro. George Thornburgh, and we approve 
same. 

W. M. Kent, 

George W. DeVaughan, Custodians. 

J. M. Oathout, Grand Lecturer. 

John T. Hicks, Grand Master. 

Little Rock, Ark., August 19, 1903. 
Office of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge 
F. and A. M. of Arkansas: 
This Monitor, prepared by Past Grand 
Master George Thornburgh, having been ap- 
proved by- the Custodians of the Work, the 
Grand Lecturer and myself, I do recommend 
the use of the same to all the Lodges in Arkansas. 
JOHN T. HICKS, 

Grand Master. 



PREFACE AND DEDICATION. 

The demand of the Craft throughout the State for 
a practical working Monitor of the three degrees, ar- 
ranged in conformity with the work in this jurisdiction, 
culminated in the adoption, by the Grand Lodge of 1902, 
of the following resolution: 

11 Resolved, That Brother George Thornburgh be re- 
quested to prepare a Monitor which shall be adopted 
as the Monitor of this Grand Lodge. When the pro- 
posed Monitor is approved by the Custodians of the 
Work, the Grand Lecturer and the Grand Master, the 
Grand Master shall be authorized to recommend it to 
the Lodges." 

This Monitor has been prepared in obedience to that 
resolution. The book is the child of my heart and mind. 
A love for the cause inspired its preparation. It goes 
to the craft with my earnest prayers that it may cause 
a more general and closer study of the beautiful cere- 
monies of the first three degrees, which are the found- 
ation of all true Freemasonry. I dedicate the book to 
the Masons of Arkansas, who have so often and so 
kindly honored me above my merit. 

GEO. THORNBURGH. 

Little Rock, Ark., September 1, 1903. 



PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. 

On the 20th of October, 1903, the first edition of one 
thousand Monitors was placed on sale. I supposed I 
would probably dispose of them in the course of a year, 
but to my surprise, by December 20 they were all sold. 
I placed the second edition of one thousand on sale Feb- 
ruary 24, 1904, and by June 15 they were gone. Evi- 
dently the Monitor fills a long felt want. 

It was prepared especially to conform to the work in 
this jurisdiction. It may be studied with profit by every 
Mason, whether he be an officer or not. The youngest 
Entered Apprentice will find it helpful and useful in 
assisting him to fix upon his mind those beautiful first 
lessons. The officers from Master of Ceremonies to Wor- 
shipful Master will find it convenient and indispensable 
in the performance correctly of the beautiful ceremonies 
of the institution. 

I am gratified beyond expression at the cordial recep- 
tion the Monitor has received from the Craft. 

It is recommended in the highest terms by the best 
workers in the State. Here are only a few of the hun- 
dreds of endorsements sent me. 

Grand Master Hicks: "It is the best Monitor to be 
found for Arkansas Masons." 

Grand Lecturer Oathout had the manuscript sent to 
his home that he might very carefully examine it, and 
he wrote: "I have carefully examined the manuscript 
of your Monitor twice over and cheerfully give my en- 
dorsement, believing it to be the best Monitor I have 
ever seen. I believe your work will be appreciated by 
the Craft in Arkansas when they examine the Monitor." 



Brother G. W. DeVaughan, Custodian of the Secret 
Work: ''I am very much pleased with it." 

Brother W. M. Kent, the other Custodian of the Secret 
Work: ''Gbod; I want another copy." 

Our Senior Past Grand Master, G. A. Dannelly, who 
was so long the Grand Lecturer, says: "I have read it 
carefully. In my judgment it is the best Monitor I ever 
saw. I heartily congratulate you on being the author 
of such a book. I recommend it to all the Lodges. It 
would be well if every member would supply himself 
with a copy." 

Past Grand Master R. H. Taylor: ''I have carefully 
reviewed it from opening to conclusion. It is a work of 
great merit, concise and clear, free and easy of style. It 
is not alone valuable and useful as a guide to Arkansas 
Masons, but to Masons everywhere. In fact, if adopted 
by other Grand Jurisdictions, would simplify and beau- 
tify Masonic work. Every Mason in the State should 
own and study the Arkansas Monitor." 

Past Grand Master Sorrells, who made the motion in 
Grand Lodge to have the Monitor prepared, says: ''I 
have examined it closely, and feel sure that it will meet 
the approbation of the Craft throughout this Jurisdiction." 

Past Grand Master Bridewell: "I have examined it, 
and find it complete. To a newly made Mason it is in- 
dispensable, and if every one of them would get a copy 
immediately after their raising we would have brighter 
and better Masons. It would do a world of good if many 
of the older Masons would make it their vade mecum. 
You have eliminated an immense quantity of useless 
matter contained in most Monitors, and that which you 
placed in lieu is clear and easily understood. The chapters 



on 'Laying Corner Stones/ 'Dedicating Lodges/ i Funer- 
als/ etc., will be appreciated by all who have those ser- 
vices to perform." 

Past Grand Master Baker: "Have examined it care- 
fully and am well pleased. I think it conforms to the 
ancient usages of Masonry, and I feel sure that by the 
use of it we will have many more Masons in Arkansas 
who know something of lodge work. Every lodge ought 
to have at least three copies." 

Past Grand Master Harry Myers: ''I have carefully 
examined your Monitor and consider it the best for our 
lodges possible to get. It is concise, yet comprehensive. 
It takes up the work and follows it in order. No lodge 
should be without it. I wish every Mason in the State 
would possess himself of this valuable addition to Masonic 
literature at once." 

May it do more and more good as its circulation in- 
creases and its influence widens. 

GEORGE THORNBURGH, 

Little Rock, Ark. 
July 1, 1904. 



PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION. 

The Grand Lodge, at its session last November, adopted 
the following resolution by unanimous vote: 

"Resolved, That the Monitor, prepared by Brother 
Thornburgh, be accepted and approved; and the same 
is hereby adopted as the monitorial work of the Grand 
Lodge." 

This means that there is now only one authorized Mon- 
itor for Arkansas. Everybody will use the same work 
and thereby have uniformity. 

July 1, 1905. 



PREFACE TO THE EIGHTH EDITION. 

This Monitor was published primarily for Arkansas 
Masons, but the best posted Brethren in the Indian Terri- 
tory and Louisiana, say that it is the best for them and 
makes the work the easiest of any Monitor they have 
ever used. 

At the session of the Grand Lodge of the Indian Terri- 
tory, held at Ardmore, August 14 and 15, 1906, The 
Monitor was given a strong endorsement by the Grand 
Lodge voting to permit and authorize the use of it in 
all the Lodges in that jurisdiciton. 

Bro. J. S. Murrow, the veteran Grand Secretary of 
the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory, says: "I ex- 
amined it quite carefully, and was delighted with it." 

L. D. Swink, one of the Custodians of the Secret Work, 
says: "I have examined your Monitor, and find that 
it fits the Territory work better than any Monitor I have 
ever seen." 

W. M. Simms, Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge, 
of the Indian Territory, says: "It comes nearer con- 
forming to our work than any I have ever seen." 

Hon. T. C. Humphrey, Past Grand Master of Arkansas, 
but now of Atoka, I. T., and Chairman of the Committee 
of F. C. of the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory, 
says: "I am very much pleased with it. It is a book 
of great value to any Mason of the Indian Territory." 

Bro. B. F. Hackett, one of the leading fights in the 
Masonic fraternity of the Indian Territory, says: "After 
a thorough examination, I am prepared to say that it 
is the best Monitor I ever saw. Any old Mason would 
know that the work has been prepared by an old Master. 
From the very first to the last step, it is all there. The 



Master has only to turn the leaf as he goes along with 
the work, and right before his eyes, in a plain way, is 
the thing he needs. And it is so plain, and concise, and 
yet so complete, that he can not miss anything or make 
a mistake. I hope the Monitor will be adopted by this 
jurisdiction." 

. Grand Secretary J. S. Hunt, of the Grand Lodge of 
Oklahoma, says: " Monitor carefully examined. To say 
that it is beyond adverse criticism, is but poor praise 
for your neat, plain, and comprehensive book." 

Hon. D. D. Leach, Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chap- 
ter of Oklahoma, says: "I can heartily recommend 
your Monitor." 

Bro. J. H. Caldwell, one of the Grand Lecturers of the 
Grand Lodge of Louisiana says: "I promise you my 
feeble efforts in the interest of your excellent Monitor. 
I have already been instrumental in your selling a goodly 
number." 

Bro. W. M. Baker, the other Grand Lecturer of the 
Grand Lodge of Louisiana, says: "The second section 
of the Fellow Crafts degree as given in your Monitor, is 
worth more than the price of the book." 

The above are only a few of the many endorsements 
the Monitor has received. 

May 1, 1909. 



MASONIC MONITOR 



OF THE DECREES OF 



Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, 
Together with the Ceremony of Receiving Visitors, 
Instituting and Constituting Lodges, Instal- 
lation, Laying Corner Stones, Dedica- 
tions, Masonic Burials and 
Lodge of Sorrow 



OPENING THE LODGE 

At regular meetings the Lodge must be opened up 
in regular order and full form from the E. A. to M. M. 
degree. 

The lodge is opened and closed on M. M. degree stat- 
ed and special. 

Lodges are opened on and- not in a degree. 

But in going from one degree to another labor is dis- 
pensed with and resumed in the degree and not on. 

Congregate. 

The J. D. will see that the Tyler is at his station and 
close the door. 



Purge. 

* * * 

One brother can not vouch for another unless he has 
sat in open Lodge with him, or examined him by ap- 
pointment of the W. M. 

Tyle. 



14 Masonic Monitor. 

Opening Prayer. 

Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great 
Architect of the universe, the giver of all good 
gifts and graces! In Thy name we have as- 
sembled, and in Thy name we desire to pro- 
ceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime 
principles of Freemasonry may so subdue 
every discordant passion within us, so har- 
monize and enrich our hearts with Thine own 
love and goodness, that the Lodge at this time 
may humbly reflect that order and beauty 
which reign forever before Thy throne! Amen! 

Response: So mote it be! 

Or, 

Almighty and merciful God, hear us with 
indulgence, have pity for our weakness, and 
aid us with Thy strength. Help us to per- 
form all our duties — to ourselves, to other 
men, and to Thee. Let the great flood of 
Masonic light flow over the world. Pardon us 
when we offend. When we go astray, lead us 
back to the true path; and help our feeble 
efforts to remove all obstacles to the final 
triumph of the great law of love; and, having 
faithfully performed our duty here below, wilt 
Thou receive us into Thy Celestial Lodge above, 



Masonic Monitor. 15 

that house not made with hands, eternal in 
the heavens! Amen! 

Response: So mote it be! 

Closing Prayer. 

Extemporaneous, or the following: 

Supreme Architect of the Universe, accept 
our humb e thanks for the many mercies and 
bTessings which Thy bounty has conferred upon 
us, and especially for this social intercourse 
with our brethren. Pardon, we beseech The , 
whatever Thou has seen amiss in us, and con- 
tinue to us Thy protection and blessing. Make 
us sensible of our obligations to serve Thee, 
and may all our actions tend to Thy glory and 
our advancement in knowledge and virtue. 
Grant that the world — the little circle in which 
we move — may be better and happier for our 
having lived in it, and Fmay we practice that 
Charity^ which is the bond of peace and the 
perfection of every virtue. Amen! 

Response: So mote it be! 
; This charge may be used at closing: 

Brethren: We are now about to quit this 
sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix 
again with the world. Amidst its concerns 
and employments, forget not the duties which 



io Masonic Monitor. 

you have heard so frequently inculcated and 
so forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be 
diligent, prudent, temperate, disrreet. Remem- 
ber that around this altar you have promised 
to befriend and relieve every brother who shall 
need your g assistance. You have promised in 
the most friendly manner, to remind him of 
his errors and to aid his reformation. These 
generous principles are to extend further: 
Every human being has a claim upon your 
kind offices. Do good unto all. Recommend 
it more especially to the " household of the 
faithful." Finally, brethren, be ye all of one 
mind; live in peace; and may the God of Love 
and Peace delight to dwell with and bless you. 
Amen! Response: So mote it be! 
Closing Ceremony. 

W. M. — Brother S. W., how should Masons meet? 

S. W. — Upon the level. 

W. M. — Brother J. W., how should Masons act? 

J. W.— By the plumb. 

W. M. — And part upon the square. So let us ever 
meet, act and part. 

Benediction. 

May the blessing of heaven rest upon us and 
all regular Masons! -*May brotherly love pre- 
vail and every moral and social virtue cement 
us. Amen! Response: So mote it be! 



Masonic Monitor. 17 

ENTERED APPRENTICE. 

S. D.: Mr. — , we have learned from the 
declaration, over your signature, contained in 
your petition, somewhat of your motives in 
applying for admission into our ancient and 
honorable Fraternity; but, in order that you 
may not be misled as to the character or the 
purpose of the ceremonies in which you are 
about to engage, the Lodge addresses to you 
these preliminary words: 

Freemasonry is far removed from all that is 
trivial, selfish and ungodly. Its structure is 
built upon the everlasting foundation of that 
God-given law — the Brotherhood of Man, in the 
family whose Father is God. Our ancient and 
honorable Fraternity welcomes to its doors 
and admits to its privileges worthy men of all 
creeds, but insists that all men shall stand upon 
an exact equality, and receive its instructions 
in a spirit of due humility, emphasizing in de- 
meanor, in conduct, in ceremony and in lan- 
guage the helpless, groping nature of man at 
his birth and his needs of reliance upon Divine 
guidance through all^the transactions of life. 
You will here be taught to divest your mind 
and^conscience of^all the* vices and superfluities 
of life, and the Lodge into which you are now 



1 8 Masonic Monitor. 

to be admitted expects you to divest yourself 
of all those worldly distinctions and equipments 
which are not in keeping with the humble, 
reverent and childlike attitude it is now your 
duty to assume, as all have done who have 
gone this way before. 

Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, 
that, unbiased by the improper solicitation of 
friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, 
you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a can- 
didate for the mysteries of Freemasonry? 

Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, 
that you are prompted to solicit the privileges 
of Freemasonry by a favorable opinion con- 
ceived of the institution, a desire for knowledge 
and a sincere wish of being serviceable to your 
fellow creatures? 

Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, 
that you will cheerfully conform to all the an- 
cient usages and established customs of the 
Fraternitv? 



Masonic Monitor. 19 



FIRST SECTION. 



The preparation to which the candidate must submit 
before entering the Lodge serves allegorically to teach 
him that it is the man alone, divested of all the outward 
recommendations of rank, state, or riches, that Masonry 
accepts, and that it is spiritual and moral worth alone 
which can open for him the door of the Masonic Temple. 
Reception. 
* * * 

Let no man enter upon any great or important under- 
taking without first invoking the aid of Diety. 
Prayer. 

Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father of the 
Universe, to this our present convention; and 
grant that this candidate for Masonry may 
dedicate and devote his life to Thy service, and 
become a true and faithful brother among us. 
Endue him with a competency of Thy divine 
wisdom, that by the influence of the pure prin- 
ciples of our fraternity he may be better enabled 
to display the beauties of holiness, to the honor 
of Thy holy name. Amen! 

Response: So mote it be! 

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for 
brethren to dwell together in unity. 

It is like the precious ointment^ upon the 
head, that ran down upon the beard, even 



20 Masonic Monitor. 

Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts 
of his garments. 

As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that 
decended upon the mountains of Zion: for there 
the Lord commanded the blessing, even life 

for evermore. — 133d Psalm. 

* * * 

In the beginning God created the heaven and the 
earth. And the earth was without form, and void; 
and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the 
Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And 
God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 

The three Great Lights in Masonry are the Holy Bible, 
the Square and the Compasses, and are thus explained: 
The Holy Bible is given us as the rule and guide for our 
faith and practice, the Square to square our actions, 
and the Compasses to circumscribe our desires and keep 
our passions in due bounds with all mankind, especially 
the brethren. 

The three Lesser Lights are the Sun, Moon and Master 
of the Lodge, and are thus explained: 

As the Sun rules the day and the Moon governs the 
night, so should the Worshipful Master, with equal reg- 
ularity, endeavor to rule and govern the Lodge. 

The Representatives of the* three Lesser Lights are 
three burning tapers, placed in a triangular form about 
the altar. 

* * * 

The Lamb Skin or White Leathern Apron is an emblem 
of innocence and the badge of a Mason; more ancient 



Masonic Monitor. 21 

than the Golden Fleece; more honorable than the Star 
and Garter, or any other order than can be conferrred 
upon you at this or any future period by King, Prince or 
Potentate, or any other person except he be a Mason 
and in the body of a Lodge. I trust you will wear it 
with equal pleasure to yourself and honor to the fra- 
ternity. 

The following may be used: 

It may be that, in coming years, upon your head may 
rest the laurel wreaths of victory; pendant from your 
breast may hang jewels fit to grace the diadem of an 
Eastern potentate; nay, more than these, with light 
added to the coming light, your ambitious feet may 
tread round after round of the ladder that leads to fame 
in our mystic circle, and even the purple of the Frater- 
nity may rest upon your honored shoulders; but never 
again from mortal hands, never again until your en- 
franshised spirit shall have passed upward and inward 
through the pearly gates, shall any honor so distinguished, 
so emblematical of purity and all perfections, be con- 
ferred upon you as this .which I now bestow. It is yours; 
yours to wear throughout an honorable life, and at your 
death to be deposited upon the coffin which shall inclose 
your lifeless remains, and with them laid in the grave. 
* * # 

Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever- 
present reminder of "purity of life and rectitude of con- 
duct," a never-ending argument for nobler deeds, for 
higher thoughts, for greater achievements. And when 
at last your weary feet shall have come to the end of 
life's toilsome journey, and from your nerveless grasp 
shall drop forever the working tools of life, may the record 



22 Masonic Monitor. 

of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as this 
fair emblem which I place in your hands; and when your 
trembling soul shall stand naked and alone before the 
Great White Throne, there to receive judgment for the 
deeds done while here in the body, may it be your por- 
tion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge Supreme 
the welcome words: "Well done, good -and faithful 
servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things; I 
will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into 
the joy of thy Lord." 

* * * 
Working Tools. 

The Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice are the 
Twenty-four-inch Gauge and the Common Gavel. 

The Twenty-four-inch Gauge is an instrument used 
by operative Masons to measure and lay out their work; 
but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to 
use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divid- 
ing our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal 
parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the 
day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts, 
whereby are found eight hours for the service of God 
and a distressed worthy brother, eight for our usual vo- 
cations, and eight for refreshment and sleep. 

The Common Gavel is an instrument used by opera- 
tive Masons to break off the corners of rough stones, 
the better to fit them for the builder's use; but we, as 
Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the 
more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts 
and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life, 
thereby fitting our minds, as living stones, for that spirit- 



Masonic Monitor. 23 

ual building — that house not made with hands — eternal 
in the heavens. 

Lesson of Charity. 



Reinvested. 

Northeast Corner. 

* * * an upright man and Mason, and I give it you 
strictly in charge ever to walk and act as such before 
God and man. 



SECOND SECTION. 

This section accounts, rationally, for the ceremonies 
of initiation. Containing almost entirely esoteric work, 
it can not be written. The Master should not only fa- 
miliarize himself with it, but he should also diligently 
explain to the candidate each truth symbolized by each 
step of the ceremonies through which he has just 



Offensive or Defensive. 

At the building of King Solomon's Temple there was 
not heard the sound of ax, hammer or any tool of iron. 
The question naturally arises, How could so stupendous 
an edifice be erected without the aid of those imple- 
ments? The stones were hewn, squared and numbered 
in the quarries where they were raised; the timbers were 



24 Masonic Monitor. 

felled and prepared in the forests of Lebanon, conveyed 
in floats by sea to Joppa, and thence by land to Jerusa- 
lem, wthere they were set up by the aid of wooden imple- 
ments prepared for that purpose; so that every part of 
the building, when completed, fitted with such exact 
nicety that it resembled the handiwork of the Supreme 
Architect of the Universe more than that of human 
hands. 

* * * 

Masonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or 
honors; it is therefore the internal and not the external 
qualifications of the man that recommend him to be- 
come a Mason. 

* # # 

In the fourth chapter of the book of Ruth we read: 
11 Now this was the manner in former times concerning 
redeeming and changing; for to confirm all things a man 
plucked off his shoe and gave it to his neighbor and 
this was a testimony in Israel." * * * 

Cable . 

* * * 
Hood . 

* * * 
K — no — ks. 

* * * 

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall 
find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." 

* * * 

Before entering upon any great or important under- 
taking, we ought always to invoke the aid of Deity. 



Masonic Monitor. 25 

* * * 

Trust in God. 

* * * 

The Left Side. 

The Right Hand, by our ancient brethren, was deemed 
the seat of fidelity. The ancients worshiped a deity 
named Fides, sometimes represented by two right hands 
joined, at others by two human figures holding each 
other by the right hand. 



The lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of 
innocence. The lambskin is therefore to remind you 
of that purity of life and conduct which is so essentially 
necessary to your gaining admission to the Celestial 
Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Uni- 
verse presides. 

Northeast Corner. 

It is customary at the erection of all Masonic edifices 
to lay the first or foundation stone in the northeast corner 
of the building. The first instructions which the candi- 
date receives symbolizes the corner stone and on it he 
constructs the moral and Masonic temple of his life. 

THIRD SECTION. 

This section explains the manner of con- 
stituting and the proper authority for holding a 
Lodge. Also, where anciently held, their form, 
Supports, Covering, etc. 



20 Masonic Monitor. 

A Lodge is an assemblage of Masons, duly 
congregated, having the Holy Bible, Square and 
Compasses, and a dispensation or charter, 
authorizing them to work. 

Our ancient brethren held their Lodges on 
high hills or in low vales, the better to observe 
the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, 
ascending or descending. 

Lodge meetings at the present day are usually 
held in upper chambers — probably for the secur- 
ity which such places afford. This custom may 
have had its origin in a practice observed by 
the ancient Jews of building their temples, 
schools and synagogues on high hills, a practice 
which seems to have met the approbation of 
the Almighty, who said unto the Prophet 
Ezekiel, "Upon the top of the mountain, the 
whole limit thereof round about shall be most 
holy." 

Form and Dimension. 

Its form is oblong. Its dimension, from 
east to west, embracing every clime between 
north and south. Its universal chain of friend- 
ship encircles every portion of the human family 
and beams wherever civilization extends. 



Masonic Monitor. 27 

A Lodge is said to be thus extensive to denote 
the universality of Freemasonry, and teaches 
that a Mason's charity should be equally ex- 
tensive. 

The Supports of a Lodge. 

A Lodge is supported by three great pillars, 
denominated Wisdom, Strength and Beauty; 
because there should bejwisdom to contrive, 
strength to support, and beauty to adorn all 
great and important undertakings. They are 
represented by the three principal officers of 
the Lodge; The pillar Wisdom, by the W. M. in 
the East, who is presumed to have wisdom to 
open and govern the Lodge; the pillar Strength, 
by the Senior Warden in the West, whose duty 
it is to assist the W. M. in the discharge of his 
arduous labors; and the pillar Beauty, by the 
Junior Warden in the South, whose duty it is 
to call the Craft from labor to refreshment, su- 
perintend them during the hours thereof, care- 
fully to observe that the means of refreshment 
are not perverted to intemperance or excess, 
and see that they return to their labor in due 
season. 

Its covering is no less than the clouded 
canopy or starry-decked heaven, where all good 



28 Masonic Monitor. 

Masons hope at last to arrive, by the aid of that 
theological ladder which Jacob, in his vision, 
saw extending from earth to heaven; the three 
principal rounds of which are denominated 
Faith, Hope and Charity; which admonish us 
to have faith in God, hope of immortality and 
charity to all mankind. The greatest of these 
is Charity; for Faith may be lost in sight, Hope 
ends in fruition, but Charity extends beyond 
the grave through the boundless realms of 
eternity. 

Furniture. 

The furniture of a Lodge consists of the Holy 
Bible, Square and Compasses. 

The Holy Bible is dedicated to God, because 
it is the inestimable gift of God to man; the 
Square to the Master, because it is the proper 
Masonic emblem of his office; and the Com- 
passes to the craft, because, by a due attention 
to their use, they are taught to circumscribe 
their desires, and keep their passions within 
due bounds. 

Ornaments. 

The Ornaments of a Lodge are the Mosaic 
Pavement, the Indented Tessel and the Blazing 
Star. 



Masonic Monitor. 29 

The Mosaic Pavement is a representation 
of the ground floor of King Solomon's Temple- 
the Indented Tessel, of that beautiful tessellated 
border or skirting which surrounded it. The 
Mosaic Pavement, is emblematical of human 
life, checkered with good and evil; the Indented 
Tessel, or tessellated border, of the manifold 
blessings and comforts which constantly sur- 
round us, and which we hope to enjoy by a firm 
reliance on Divine Providence, which is hiero- 
glyphically represented by the Blazing Star in 
the center. 

Lights. 

A Lodge has three symbolic lights; one in 
the East, one in the West and one in the South, 
represented by the W. M., S. W. and J. W. 
There is no light in the north, because King 
Solomon's Temple, of which every Lodge is a 
representation, was so far north of the ecliptic 
that the sun could, dart no rays into the northern 
part thereof. The north, therefore, we Ma- 
sonically call a place of darkness. 

Jewels. 

A Lodge has six jewels; three of these are 
immovable and three movable. 



30 Masonic Monitor. 

The Immovable Jewels are the Square, Level 
and Plumb. The Square inculcates morality; 
the Level, equality, and the Plumb, rectitude 
of conduct. They are called immovable jewels, 
because they are always to be found in the 
East, West and South parts of the Lodge, being 
worn by the officers in their respective stations. 

The Movable Jewels are the Rough Ashlar 
the Perfect Ashlar and the Trestle-Board. 

The Rough Ashlar is a stone, as taken from 
the quarry, in its rude and natural state. By 
it we are reminded of our rude and imperfect 
state by nature. 

The Perfect Ashlar is a stone made ready by 
the hands of the workmen, to be adjusted by 
the working tools of the Fellow Craft; and re- 
minds us of that state of perfection at which 
we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our 
own endeavors and the blessings of God. 

The Trestle-Board is for the Master workman 
to draw his designs upon. By it we are re- 
minded that, as the operative workman erects 
his temporal building agreeably to the rules 
and designs laid down by the master on his 
trestle-board, so should we, both operative and 
speculative, endeavor to erect our spiritual 



Masonic Monitor. 31 

building agreeably to the rules and designs laid 
down by the Supreme Architect of the Uni- 
verse, in the great books of nature and revela- 
tion, which are our spiritual, moral and Masonic 
trestle^boards. 

How Situated. 

A Lodge is situated due east and west, be- 
cause King Solomon's Temple was so situated; 
and also because, when Moses crossed the Red 
Sea, being pursued by Pharaoh and his hosts, 
he erected a Tabernacle by Divine command, 
and placed it due east and west to receive the 
first rays of the rising sun, and to commemorate 
that mighty east wind by which the miraculous 
deliverance of Israel wa*s effected. 

Dedication of Lodges. 

Our ancient brethren dedicated their Lodges 
to King Solomon because he was said to be our 
first most excellent Grand Master, but Masons of 
the present day, professing Christianity, dedicate 
theirs to St. John the Baptist and St. John the 
Evangelist, who were two eminent patrons of 
Masonry; and since their time there is repre- 
sented in every regular and well-governed Lodge 



32 Masonic Monitor. 

a certain point within a circle embordered by 
two perpendicular parallel lines, representing 
St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evange- 
list; and upon the top rests the Holy Scriptures. 
The point represents the individual brother; 
the circle, the boundary line of his duty beyond 
which he is never to suffer his passions, int< 
or prejudices to betray him. In going around 
this circle we necessarily touch on the two 
parallel lines, as well as the Holy Scriptures, 
and while a Mason keeps himself circumscril )od 
within these cue bounds, it is impossible that 
he should lraterially err. 

Tenets. * 

The three great tenets of a Mason's profes- 
sion inculcate the practice of those commendable 
virtues, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. 

Brotherly Love. — By the exercise of bro- 
therly' love we are taught to regard the whole 
human species as one family — the high and 
low, the rich and poor — who, created by one 
Almighty Parent and inhabitants of the same 
planet, are to aid and protect each other. On 
this principle Masonry unites men of every 
country, sect and opinions, and conciliates true 



Masonic Monitor. 33 

friendship among those who might otherwise 
have remained at a perpetual distance. f--v- 

Relief. — To relieve the distressed is a duty 
incumbent on all men, but particularly on 
Masons, who profess to be linked together by 
an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To 
soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their 
misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries 
and to restore peace to their troubled minds, 
is the great aim we have in view. On this 
basis we form our friendships and establish 
our connections. 

Truth is a divine attribute, and the founda- 
tion of every virtue. To be good and true is 
the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. On 
this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates 
endeavor to regulate our conduct; hence, while 
influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and 
deceit are unknown among us; sincerity and 
plain dealing distinguish us, and the heart and 
tongue join in promoting each other's welfare 
and rejoicing in each other's prosperity. 

P. P. E. 

The U P. P. E." are explained in connection 
with the four cardinal virtues which are Forti- 
tude, Prudence, Temperance and Justice. 



34 Masonic Monitor. 

Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose 
of the mind whereby we are enabled to undergo 
any pain or peril, when prudentially deemed 
expedient. This virtue is equally distant from 
rashness and cowardice, and should be deeply 
impressed upon the mind of every Mason. It 
is a safeguard or security against the success 
of any attempt, by force or otherwise, to extort 
from him any of those valuable secrets with 
which he has been solemnly intrusted, and 
which were emblematically impressed upon him 
on his first admission into the Lodge, when he 
was received on * * * which refers to * * * 

Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and 
actions agreeably to the dictates of reason and 
is that habit by which we wisely judge and pru- 
dentially determine on all things relative to our 
present as well as to our future happiness. This 
virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of 
every Mason, not only for the government of 
his conduct while in the Lodge, but also when 
abroad in the world. It should be his constant 
care, when in any strange or mixed company, 
never to let fall the least sign, token or word 
whereby the secrets of Masonry might be unlaw- 
fully obtained ; ever bearing in mind that import- 



Masonic Monitor. 35 

ant occasion when on his left * * * which alludes 
to * * * 

Temperance is that due restraint upon our 
affections and passions which renders the body 
tame and governable, and frees the mind from 
the allurements of vice. This virtue should be 
the constant practice of every Mason; as he is 
thereby taught to avoid excess, or contracting 
any licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence 
of which would subject him to the contempt 
and detestation of all good Masons; and might 
lead him to disclose some of those valuable 
secrets which he has promised to conceal and 
never reveal. It will remind you of the[p. and 
alludes to the * * * 

Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, 
which enables us to render to every man his 
just due, without distinction, This virtue is 
not only consistent with human and Divine 
laws, but is the very cement and support of 
civil society. As justice in a great measure 
constitutes the really good man, so should it 
be the invariable practice of every Mason never 
to deviate from the minutest principles thereof; 
ever remembering the tie when placed in 
* * * which alludes to the * * * 



30 Masonic Monitor. 

Chalk, Charcoal and Clay. 

Entered Apprentices should serve their mas- 
ters with freedom, fervency and zeal, which are 
represented by Chalk, Charcoal and Clay. 

There is nothing freer than Chalk, the slight- 
est touch of which leaves a trace; there is noth- 
ing more fervent than Charcoal, for to it, when 
properly ignited, the most obdurate metals will 
yield; there is nothing more zealous than Clay. 

Our Mother Earth alone of all the elements 
has never proved unfriendly to man. Bodies 
of water deluge him with rain, oppress him with 
hail and drown him with inundation; the Air 
rushes in storms and prepares the tempest; and 
Fire lights up the volcano; but the earth, ever 
kind and indulgent, is found subservient to his 
wishes. Though constantly harassed more to 
furnish the luxuries than the necessaries of life, 
she never refuses her accustomed yield, spread- 
ing his pathway with flowers and his table with 
plenty. Though she produces poison, still she 
supplies the antidote, and returns with interest 
every good committed to her care; and when at 
last we are called upon to pass through the 
"dark valley of the shadow of death" she once 
more receives us, and piously covers our remains 



Masonic Monitor. 37 

within her bosom, thus admonishing us that as 
from it we came, so to it we must shortly return. 

* * * 

Lecture. 

* * * 
Symbolism of the Degree. 

The First, or Entered Apprentice, degree of 
Masonry is intended, symbolically, to represent 
the entrance of man into the world in which he 
is afterwards to become a living and thinking 
actor. Coming from the ignorance and| dark- 
ness of the outer world, his first craving is for 
light — not that physical light which springs from 
the great orb of day as its fountain, but that 
moral and intellectual [light J which emanates 
from the primal Source of all things — from the 
Grand Architect of the Universe — the Creator 
of the sun and of all that it illuminates. Hence 
the great, the primary object of the first degree 
is to symbolize the birth of intellectual light in 
the mind; and the Entered Apprentice is the 
type of the unregenerate man, groping in moral 
and mental darkness, and seeking for the light 
which is to guide his steps and point him to the 
path which leads to duty and to Him who 
^ives to duty its^reward. 



38 . Masonic Monitor. 

Charge at Initiation. 

Brother:' As you are now introduced to the 
first principles of Freemasonry, I congratulate 
you on being accepted into this ancient and 
honorable Fraternity. Ancient, as having ex- 
isted from time immemorial; and honorable, as 
tending in every particular so to render all men 
who will be conformable to its precepts. No 
institution was ever raised on a better principle 
or more solid foundation; nor were ever more 
excellent rules and useful maxims laid down 
than are contained in the several Masonic lec- 
tures. The wisest and best of men in all ages 
have been encouragers and promoters of our 
Art, and have never deemed it derogatory to 
their dignity to level themselves with the Fra- 
ternity, to extend its privileges, and to patronize 
its assemblies. 

There are three great duties which as a Mason 
you are charged to inculcate: To God, to your 
neighbor and to yourself. To God, in never 
mentioning His name save with that reverential 
awe which is due from the creature to his 
Creator, to implore His aid in all your laudable 
undertakings, and esteem Him as the chief 
good. To your neighbor, in acting upon the 



Masonic. Monitor. 39 

square and doing unto him as you would that 
he should do unto you. And to yourself, in 
avoiding all irregularities and intemperance, 
which may impair your faculties or debase the 
dignity of your profession. 

A zealous attachment to these duties will 
insure public and private esteem. 

In the State you are to be a quiet and peace- 
able citizen, true to your government and just 
to your country. You are not to countenance 
disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to 
legal authority and conform with cheerfulness 
to the government of the country in which you 
live, yielding obedience to the laws which afford 
you protection. 

In your outward demeanor be particularly 
careful to avoid censure or reproach. Let not 
interest, favor, or prejudice, bias your integrity 
or influence you to be guilty of a dishonorable 
action. 

Although your frequent appearance at our 
regular meetings is earnestly solicited, yet it 
is not meant that Freemasonry should interfere 
with your necessary vocations, for these are on 
no account to be neglected; neither are you to 
suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you 



40 Masonic Monitor. 

into argument with those who, through ignor- 
ance, may ridicule it. 

At your leisure hours, that you may improv 
in Masonic knowledge, you are to converse 
with well-informed brethren, who will always be 
as ready to give as you will be to receive in- 
struction. 

Finally, my brother, keep sacred and inviolate 
the mysteries of the Order, as these are to dis- 
tinguish you from the rest of the community 
and mark your consequence among Masons. 



: 



Masonic Monitor. 41 

FELLOW CRAFT 

FIRST SECTION. 
Reception. 



Thus he shewed me: and behold the Lord 
stood upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with 
a plumb-line in His hand. 

And the Lord said unto me: Amos, what 
seest thou? and I said, A plumb-line. Then 
said the Lord: Behold, I will set a plumb-line 
in the midst of my people Israel. 

I will not again pass by them any more. 
Amos, vii. 7, 8. . 

* * * 

Altar. 

* * * 

Apron. 

* * * 

The Working Tools. 

The Working Tools of a Fellow Craft are the 
Plumb, the Square and the Level, and are thus 
explained: 



42 Masonic Monitor. 

The Plumb is an instrument used by Opera- 
tive Masons to try perpendiculars, the Square 
to square their work, and the Level to prove 
horizontals, but we, as Free and Accepted 
Masons, are taught to use them for more noble 
and glorious purposes. The Plumb admonishes 
us to walk uprightly in our several stations bo- 
fore God and man, squaring our actions by the 
Square of Virtue, ever remembering that we are 
traveling upon the Level of Time to that ''un- 
discovered country from whose bourne no 
traveler returns." 



SECOND SECTION. 

You now represent a young F. C. on his way 

to the M. C. of K. S. T. Masonry is divided 
into two classes, operative and speculative. We 
have wrought in speculative Masonry, but our 
ancient brethren wrought both in operative and 
speculative. They wrought at the building of 
K. S. T. and many other Masonic edifices. They 
wrought but six days in a week, and rested upon 
the seventh, for in six days God created the 
heaven and the earth and rested on the seventh ; 
the seventh, therefore, our ancient brethren con- 



Masonic Monitor. 43 

secrated as a day of rest, the better to enable 
them to contemplate the glorious works of crea- 
tion and to adore their great Creator. 

On our way to the M. C. the first things that 
attract our attention are the representatives of 
two brazen pillars, one upon the left, the other 
upon the right of the porch. The one upon the 
left, denominated * * * denoted strength; the 
one upon the right, denominated * * * denoted 
establishment, having reference to a passage of 
Scripture wherein God said to David, "And 
thine house and thy kingdom shall be established 
forever before thee." 

Those pillars were eighteen cubits high, 
twelve in circumference and four in diameter. 
They were prepared of molten brass, the better 
to withstand conflagration or inundation. They 
were cast in the clay grounds of the river Jordan, 
between Succoth and Zeradatha, where K. S. 
ordered all the holy vessels to be cast. They 
were hollow, four inches, or a hand's breadth, 
in thickness, and served as the archives of 
Masonry, in which the Rolls, Records and Pro- 
ceedings were kept. They were adorned with 
two- chapiters, five cubits each. Those chapiters 
were ornamented with network, lilv work and 



44 Masonic Monitor. 

pomegranate, denoting union, peace and plenty. 
The network, from its intimate connection, de- 
notes union. The lily, from its whiteness, 
denotes peace. The pomegranate, from the 
exuberance of its seeds, denotes plenty. Mounted 
upon the chapiters were two globes, represent- 
ing the terrestrial and celestial bodies, on the 
convex surface of which were delineated the 
countries, seas and other portions of the earth, 
the planetary revolutions and other important 
particulars. They represented the universality 
of Freemasonry — that from east to west and 
between north and south Freemasonry extends, 
and in every clime are Masons to be found, and 
teach that a Mason's charity should be co- 
extensive. 

Masonic tradition informs us that those pil- 
lars were placed at the porch of K. S.'s T. as a 
memento to the children of Israel of their happy 
deliverance from the land of bondage, and rep- 
resented the pillar of cloud that overshadowed 
them by day and the pillar of fire that illumined 
them by night. 

The next thing that attracts our attention is 
a flight of winding stairs, composed of three, 
five and seven steps. The three steps allude 



Masonic Monitor. 45 

to the three principal officers of the lodge, and 
the three principal supports in Masonry. The 
three principal officers are the W. M., S. W. and 
J. W. The three principal supports are Wis- 
dom, Strength and Beauty, because it is neces- 
sary to have wisdom to contrive, strength to 
support and beauty to adorn all well governed 
institutions. 

The five steps allude to the five orders of 
architecture, and the five human senses. The 
five orders of architecture are the Tuscan, Doric, 
Ionic, Corinthian and Composite, three of 
which, from their antiquity, have been ever 
held in high repute among Masons — the Doric, 
Ionic and Corinthian. The five human senses 
are hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting and smelling, 
the first three of which have ever been held in 
.high repute among Masons, because by hearing 
we hear the * * *; by seeing we see the * * *; 
and by feeling we feel the * * *, whereby one 
Mason may know another in the dark as well 
as in the light. 

The seven steps allude to many sevens — the 
seven Sabatical years, seven years of plenty, 
seven years of famine, seven years during which 
K. S.'s T. was in course of erection, seven golden 



46 Masonic Monitor. 

candlesticks, but more particularly the seven 
liberal arts and sciences, which are Grammar, 
Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Astron- 
omy and Music. 

(Note: — A fine effect can be had, if an organ 
is played, by using the following. The organist 
should begin to play softly when the speaker 
begins on "Music"): 

Music is that elevated science which affects 
the passions by sound. There are few who 
have not felt its charms, and acknowledged its 
expressions to be intelligible to the heart. It 
is a language of delightful sensations,' far more 
eloquent than words; it breathes to the ear the 
clearest intimations; it touches and^gently agi- 
tates the agreeable and sublime passions: it 
wraps us in melancholy, elevates us in joy and 
melts us in tenderness. Now the pathetic dies 
away and martial strains are heard, reminding 
us of the battlefield and its attendant glory. 

(As the word "glory" is pronounced, the or- 
ganist at once strikes the chords of some war- 
music like "Dixie" "Marseillaise Hymn," etc. 
After a few bars are pla}^ed with full organ, the 
organist lets the music die away to a soft and 
gentle tremolo, and the Deacon resumes) : 



Masonic Monitor. 47 

The glorious notes of the battle-hymn float 
over the red field of carnage. Brave men hear 
the inspiring music; the ranks close up; the bay- 
onets are fixed; and, with a cheer which strikes 
terror to the heart of the foe, they rush forward 
in one glorious charge, across the plain slippery 
with the blood of patriots, up the opposing hill- 
side, even to the mouth of cannon belching 
forth fire and death. — But stop! Look yonder! 
The dying soldier raises his head. His breast 
is already crimson with his heart's blood. His 
eye even now is dimming and glazing. The 
old home comes back to him in memory. He 
puts his hand to his ear as if listening. What 
does he hear? 

(Here the organist plays softly the strains of 
"Home, Sweet Home," or some well known 
lullaby; during which the Deacon continues): 

Ah, it is the old, old melody of youth and 
home! Again he is around the old hearth- 
stone. Again he kneels at mother's knee to 
lisp the evening prayer. Again she takes him 
in her arms, and sings to her tired child the 
soft, low lullaby of childhood's happy days — 
Oh, Music! Music! Art Divine! Thou dost^move 
and stir the heart as nothing else can do! Yet 



48 Masonic .Monitor. 

never canst thy sweet potency be better \\<v(\ 
than when it inspires praise and gratitude to 
the great Lord and Master of us all! 

(At the word "all," the organist promptly 
strikes the chords of " Old Hundred," and, to 
its accompaniment, the Master calling up the 
Lodge, all unite in singing the long-metre dox- 
ology.) 

"This brings us to the outer door of the M. C, 
which we find partly open, but strictly tiled by 
the J. W. We will see if we can gain admis- 
sion." 

J. W.: "Who comes here?" 

"A young F. C, on his way to the M. C. of 
K. S. T." 

"How do you expect to pass the outer door?" 

"By the * * * and * * * of a F. C." 

"Give them." 



"What does this * * * denote?' 

"Plenty." 

"How is it represented?" 



Masonic Monitor. 49 

" By a sheaf of corn suspended near a water- 
fall."" 

"How. did it originate?" 

"It originated in consequence of a quarrel 
that long existed between Jephtha, judge of 
Israel, and the Ephraimites. The Ephraimites 
were a wicked, stubborn and rebellious people, 
whom Jephtha strove to subdue by lenient means 
but all to no avail. They became highly in- 
censed because they were not called to share in 
the rich spoils of the Ammonitish war, raised 
an exceeding great army, crossed over the river 
Jordan, came down upon Jephtha and gave him 
battle. Jephtha, being apprised of' their ap- 
proach, called out the mighty men of Gilead and 
put the Ephraimites to flight. And to make 
his victory secure, he placed guards at all the 
passes on the river Jordan, giving them this 
password: Shibboleth. The Ephraimites, being 
of a different tribe and dialect, could not pro- 
nounce the word Shibboleth, but called it Sib- 
boleth, which trifling defect proved them ene- 
mies, and there fell at that time forty and two 
thousand." 

"The * * * and * * * with the explanation 
are correct. You have my permission to pass." 



50 Masonic Monitor. 

This brings us to the inner door of the M. ('.. 
which we find partly open but more strictly 
tiled by the S. W. We will see if we can gain 
admission. 

" Who comes here?" 

"A young F. C, on his way to the M. C, of 
K. S. TV' 

"How do you expect to pass the inner door?" 

"By the true * * * and * * * of a F. C." 

"Give them." 

" They are correct. You have my permis- 
sion to pass." 

"W. M. I have the pleasure of presenting 
Bro.— who has succeeded in passing the outer 
and inner doors of K. S. T." 



Masonic Monitor. Si 

Bro. — you are received into the M. C. of 
K. S. T. that your name may be recorded as 
a workman worthy of his hire; that you may 
receive the P. J.'s of a F. C. Mason; that you 
may learn the wages of a F. C. Mason and the 
significance of the letter G. The wages of a F. 
C. are C, W. and O. The C. of nourishment, 
W. of refreshment and 0. of joy. The P. J.'s 
are an A. E., an I. T., and a F. B. A. A.E., that 
you will ever be attentive to lessons from the 
I. T., and a F. B. should be a safe reposi- 
tory for all the secrets of the Fraternity that 
may be entrusted to your care. 

The letter G. has a very significant meaning. 
It is the initial of Geometry, the first and noblest 
of sciences, and the basis on which the super- 
structure of Freemasonry is erected. By Geom- 
etry we may curiously trace nature through her 
various windings to her most concealed recesses; 
by it we discover the power, wisdom and good- 
ness of the Grand Artificer of the Universe, and 
view with delight the proportions which com- 
pose this vast machine; by it we discover how 
the planets move in their respective orbits and 
demonstrate their various revolutions; by it 
we account for the return of the seasons, and the 



52 Masonic Monitor. 

variety of scenes which each season displays to 
the discerning eye. Numberless worlds are 
around us, all framed by the same Divine Ar- 
tist, which roll through the vast expanse, and 
are all conducted by the same unerring law of 
Nature. 

A survey of Nature, and the observation of 
her beautiful proportions, first determined man 
to imitate the divine plan and study symmetr} T 
and order. This gave rise to societies and birth 
to every useful art. The architect began to 
design, and the plans which he laid down, being 
improved by time and experience, have pro- 
duced works which are the admiration of every 
age. 

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of igno- 
rance and the devastations of war have laid 
waste and destroyed many valuable monuments 
of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of 
human genius have been employed. Even the 
Temple of Solomon, so spacious and magnifi- 
cent, and constructed by so many celebrated 
artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of 
barbarous force. Freemasonry, notwithstand- 
ing, still survives. The attentive ear receives 
the sound from the instructive tongue, and the 



Masonic Monitor. 53 

mysteries of Freemasonry are safely lodged in 
the repository of faithful breasts. 
§£ Tools and implements of architecture and 
symbolic emblems most expressive have been 
selected by the Fraternity to imprint on the 
mind wise and serious truths, and thus through 
a succession of ages have been transmitted un- 
impaired the most excellent tenets of our insti- 
tution. (Call Lodge up.) 

But the letter G. has a far greater significance? 
It is the initial of Diety — a name that, at the 
mere mention of which, all, from the W. M. in 
the east to the youngest E. A. in the northeast 
corner, should with meekness reverently bow. 

* * * 

Lecture. 

* * * 

Symbolism of the Degrees. 
If the object of the first degree is to symbolize 
the struggles of a candidate groping in the dark- 
ness for intellectual light, that of the second 
degree represents the same candidate laboring 
amid all the difficulties that encumber the 
young beginner in the attainment of learning 
and science. The Entered Apprentice is to 
emerge from darkness to light; the Fellow Craft 



54 Masonic Monitor. 

is to come out of ignorance into knowledge. 
This degree, therefore, by fitting emblems, is 
inte'nded to typify these struggles of the ardent 
mind for the attainment of truth — moral and 
intellectual truth — and above all that Divine 
truth, the comprehension of which surpasseth 
human understanding, and to which, standing 
in the Middle Chamber, after his laborious ascent 
of the winding stairs, he can only approximate 
by the reception of an imperfect, yet glorious 
reward in the revelation of that "hieroglyphic 
light which none but craftsmen ever saw." 

Charge at Passing 

Brother: Being passed to the second degree 
of Freemasonry, we congratulate you on your 
preferment. The internal, and not the external 
qualifications of a man are what Masonry re- 
gards. As you increase in knowledge you will 
improve in social intercourse. 

It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties 
which as a Fellow Craft you are bound to dis- 
charge, or to enlarge on the necessity of a strict 
adherence to them, as your own experience must 
have established their value. Our laws and 
regulations you are strenuously to support, and 



Masonic Monitor. 55 

be always ready to assist in seeing them duly 
executed. You are not to palliate or aggravate 
the offenses of your brethren, but in the decision 
of every tresspass against our rules you are to 
judge with candor, admonish with friendship, 
and reprehend with justice. 

The study of the liberal arts, that valuable 
branch of education which tends so effectually 
to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly recom- 
mended to your consideration, especially the 
science of Geometry, which is established as the 
basis of our art. Geometry, or Masonry, orig- 
inally synonymous terms, being of a divine and 
moral nature, is enriched with the most useful 
knowledge; while it proves the wonderful prop- 
erties of nature, it demonstrates the more 
important truths of morality. 

Your past behavior and regular deportment 
have merited the honor which we have conferred, 
and in your new character it is expected that 
you will conform, to the principles of the Insti- 
tution by steadily persevering in the practice 
of every commendable virtue. 

Such is the nature of your engagements as 
a Fellow Craft, and to these duties you are 
bound bv the most sacred ties. 



50 Masonic Monitor. 

MASTER MASON 

FIRST SECTION. 
Reception. 
* * * 

Remember now thy Creator in the days of 
thy youth, while the evil days come not, 

Nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt 
say, I have no pleasure in them; while the sun, 
or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not 
darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: 

In the da}^ when the keepers of the house 
shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow 
themselves, 

And the grinders cease because they are few, 
and those that look out of the windows be 
darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the 
streets, 

When the sound of the grinding is low, and 
he shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all 
the daughters of music shall be brought low; 

Also when they shall be afraid of that which 
is high, and fears shall be in the way, 

And the almond tree shall flourish, and the 
grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall 
fail: 



Masonic Monitor. 57 

Because man goeth to his long home, and 
the mourners go about the streets: or ever the 
silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be 
broken, or the pitcher be broken at the foun- 
tain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it 
was: and the spirit shall return unto God who 
gave it. (Eccl. xii. 1, 7.) 

Altar. 



Apron. 



Working Tools. 

The Working Tools of a Master Mason are all the im- 
plements of Masonry, especially the Trowel. 

The Trowel is an instrument used by operative Masons 
to spread the cement which unites the Building into one 
common mass; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons 
are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious pur- 
pose of spreading the cement of brotherly love — that 
cement which unites us into one sacred band or society 
of friends and brothers, among whom no contention 
should ever exist, save that noble contention, or 
rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree. 



~S Masonic Monitor. 

SECOND SECTION. 
Address. 
Character and habits of the builder. 

Altar. 

South, West, East. 

Rubbish * * * 

Low 12 * * * . 

B. of Hill West of M. M. 

* * * 

Confusion. 

First S. In and about T. 
Alarm. 

12 F. C. appear. 

* * * 

Roll Call. 

Abinadab; Aliakim; Ishmael; * * * Benjamin; Judah; 
Nathaniel; * * * Eliezar; Hadad; Nathan; * * * Zebulon; 
Uzzah; Naboth. 

Embargo. 



Masonic Monitor. 59 

Second S. 
In W. meet W. F. M. 
Tidings from W. 

Third S. 

Solemn Injunction 

Acacia. Capture — F. C. Released — Sentence. Ex. 

Fourth S. 

H. K. of T. Assembles the 3 F. C. 
Go^to G. and bring J. 

* * * 

* * * 
Procession. 



o Masonic Monitor. 

Funeral Dirge. 

1. Hark! from the tombs a doleful sound! 

Mine ears attend the cry; 
"Ye living men come view the ground 
Where you must shortly lie. 

2. "Princes! this clay must be your bed, 

In spite of all your towers; 
The tall, the wise, the reverend head, 
Must lie as low as ours." 

3. Great God! is this our certain doom! 

And are we still secure, 
Still walking downward to the tomb, 
And yet prepared no more? 

4. Grant us the power of quick'ning grace, 

To fit our souls to fly. 
Then, when we drop this dying flesh, 
We'll rise above the sky. 

Pleyel's Hymn. 

Solemn strikes the fun'ral chime, 
Notes of our departing time; 
As we journey here below 
Through a pilgrimage of woe. 

Mortals, now indulge a tear, 
For mortality is here! 
See how wide her trophies wave 
O'er the slumbers of the grave! 



Masonic Monitor. 6i 

Here another guest we bring! 

Seraphs of celestial wing, 

To our fun'ral altar come, 

Waft our friend and brother home. 

Lord of all! below — above — 
Fill our hearts with truth and love; 
When dissolves our earthly tie 
Take us to Thy Lodge on high. 



The following prayer is used at the raising 
of a brother to the degree of Master Mason: 

Thou, O God! knowest our down-sitting and 
our up-rising, and understandest our thoughts 
afar off. Shield and defend us from the evil 
intentions of our enemies, and support us under 
the trials and afflictions we are destined to en- 
dure while traveling through this vale of tears. 
Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and 
full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, 
and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and 
continueth not. Seeing his days are deter- 
mined, the number of his months is with Thee; 
Thou hast appointed his bounds that he can 
not pass. Turn from him that he may rest 
till he shall accomplish his day. For there is 
hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will 



62 Masonic Monitor. 

sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof 
will not cease. But man dieth and wasteth 
away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where 
is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the 
flood decayeth and drieth up, so man lieth down, 
and riseth not till the heavens be no more. 
Yet, O Lord, have compassion on the children 
of Thy creation; administer them comfort in 
time of trouble, and save them with an ever- 
lasting salvation. Amen! 
Response: So mote it be! 




That we should be ever ready to go on foot, and even 
barefoot, on a .worthy M. M.'s errand, should his neces- 
sities require it, and we be no better provided. 

That we should ever remember our brethren in our 
devotions to Deity. 



Masonic Monitor. 63 

That the secrets of. a worthy M. M., when communi- 
cated to us as such, should be as secure and inviolate in 
our breasts as they were in his before communication. 

That we should be ever ready to stretch forth a hand 
to support a falling brother, and aid him on all lawful 
occasions. 

That we should be ever ready to whisper wise counsel 
in the ear of a brother, and warn him of approaching 
danger. 

* * * 

It has been the practice of all ages to erect monuments 
to the memory of exalted worth. 




THIRD SECTION. 

This section illustrates certain hieroglyphic al 
emblems, and inculcates many useful and im- 
pressive moral lessons. It also details many 
particulars relative to the building of the 
Temple at Jerusalem. 



64 



Masonic Monitor. 



King Solomon's Temple. 

This magnificent structure was founded in 
the fourth year of the reign of Solomon, on the 
second day of the month Zif, being the second 
month of the sacred year. It was located on 
Mt. Moriah, near the place where Abraham was 
about to offer up his son Isaac, and where 
David met and appeased the destroying an'gel. 
Josephus informs us that, though more than 
seven years were occupied in building it, yet, 




during the whole term it did not rain in the 
day time, that the workmen might not be ob- 
structed in their labor. From sacred history 
we also learn that there was not the sound of 
ax, hammer or any tool of iron heard in the 



Masonic Monitor. 65 

house while it was building. It is said to have 
been supported by 1,453 columns and 2,906 
pilasters, all hewn from the finest Parian marble. 
It was symbolically supported, also, by three 
pillars. 

The three pillars here represented were ex- 
plained in a preceding degree, and there rep- 
resented Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. Here 
they represent our three ancient Grand Mas- 
ters: S. K. of I., H. K. of T., and H. A.; the 
pillar Wisdom, S. K. of I., by whose wisdom 
the Temple was erected, that superb model of 
excellence which has so honored and exalted 
his name; the pillar Strength, H. K. of T., who 
strengthened K. S. in his great and important 
undertaking; and the pillar Beauty, H. A., the 
W. S. of the tribe of Naphtali, by whose cun- 
ning workmanship the Temple was so beautified 
and adorned. 

There were employed in its building 3 Grand 
Masters, 3y300 Masters or -overseers of the work, 
80,000 Fellow Crafts, and 70,000 Entered Ap- 
prentices or bearers of burdens. All these were 
classed -and arranged in such manner, by the 
wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord 
nor confusion was suffered to interrupt or dis- 



65 Masonic Monitor. 

turb the peace and good fellowship which pre- 
vailed among the workmen, except in one 
notable instance. 



In front of the magnificent porch were placed 
the two celebrated pillars — one on the left hand, 
and one on the right hand. They are supposed 
to have been placed there as a memorial to the 
children of Israel of the happy deliverance of 
their forefathers from Egyptian bondage, and in 
commemoration of those two miraculous pillars 
of fire and of cloud. The pillar of fire gave 
light to the children of Israel and facilitated 
their march. The cloud proved darkness to 
Pharaoh and his host and retarded their pur- 
suit. King Solomon, therefore, ordered these 
pillars placed at the entrance of the Temple, 
as the most conspicuous place, that the children 
of Israel might have that happy event contin- 
ually before their eyes in going to and returning 
from divine worship. 

The Three Steps. 

The Three Steps usually delineated upon the 
Master's Carpef are emblematical of the three 



Masonic Monitor. 67 

principal stages of human life: Youth, Manhood 
and Age. In Youth, as Entered Apprentices, 
we ought industriously to occupy our minds in 
the attainment of useful knowledge; in Manhood, 
as Fellow Crafts, we should apply our knowledge 
in the discharge of our respective duties to God, 
our neighbor and ourselves, so that in Age, as 
Master Masons, we may enjoy the happy re- 
flection consequent on a well-spent life, and die 
in the hope of a glorious immortality. 

The Pot of Incense. 

The Pot of Incense is an emblem of a pure 
heart, which is always an acceptable sacrifice to 
Deity; and as this glows with fervent heat, so 
should our hearts continually glow with grati- 
tude to the great and beneficent Author of our 
existence for the manifold blessings and com- 
forts we enjoy. 

The Beehive. 

The Beehive is an emblem of industry, and 
recommends the practice of that virtue to all 
created beings, from the highest seraph in 
heaven to the lowest reptile of the dust. It 
teaches us that as we came into the world 
rational and intelligent beings, so we should 



68 Masonic Monitor. 

ever be industrious ones; never sitting down 
contented while our fellow-creatures around us 
are in want, especially when it is in our power 
to relieve them without inconvenience to our- 
selves. 

When we take a survey of Nature we view 
man in his infancy, more helpless and indigent 
than the brute creation; he lies languishing for 
days, months and years, totally incapable of 
providing sustenance for himself, of guarding 
against the attack of the wild beasts of the field, 
or sheltering himself from the inclemencies of 
the weather. It might have pleased the great 
Creator of heaven and earth to have made man 
independent of all created beings; but as de- 
pendence is one of the strongest bonds of society, 
mankind were made dependent on each other 
for protection and security, thereby enjoying 
better opportunities of fulfilling the duties of 
reciprocal love and friendship. Thus was man 
formed for social and active life, the noblest 
part of the work of God; and he who will so 
demean himself as not to endeavor to add to 
the common stock of knowledge may be deemed 
a drone r in the hive of nature, a useless member 
of society, and unworthy of our protection as 
Masons. 



Masonic Monitor. 69 

The Book of Constitutions. 

The Book of Constitutions guarded by the 
Tyler's Sword reminds us that we should be 
ever watchful and guarded in our thoughts, 
words and actions, particularly when before the 
enemies of Masonry, ever bearing in remem- 
brance those truly Masonic virtues, silence and 
circumspection. 

The Sword. 

The sword pointing to a Naked Heart dem- 
onstrates that justice will sooner or later over- 
take us; and although our thoughts, words and 
actions may be hidden from the eyes oLjnen, 
yet that 

All Seeing Eye whom the Sun, Moon and 
Stars obey, and under whose watchful care 
even Comets perform their stupendous revolu- 
tions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human 
Heart, and will reward us according to our 
merits. 

The Anchor and the Ark. 

The Anchor and the Ark are emblems of a 
well-grounded hope and well-spent life. They 



70 Masonic Monitor. 

are emblematical of that Divine Ark which 
safely wafts us over this tempestuous sea of 
troubles, and that Anchor which shall safely 
moor us in a peaceful harbor, where the wicked 
cease from troubling and the weary are at 
rest. 

Forty-seventh Problem of Euclid. 

This was an invention of our ancient friend 
and brother Pythagoras, who, in his travels 
through Asia, Africa and Europe, was initiated 
into several orders of priesthood and raised to 
the sublime degree of Master Mason. This 
wise philosopher enriched his mind abundantly 
in a general knowledge of things and more 
especially in Geometry, or Masonry. On this 



<X> 



subject he drew out many problems and theo- 
rems; and among the most distinguished he 
erected this, which, in the joy of his heart, he 
called Eureka, in the Grecian language signi- 



Masonic Monitor. 71 

fying "I have found it;" and upon the erection 
of which he is said to have sacrificed a heca- 
tomb. It teaches Masons to be general lovers 
of the arts and sciences. 

The Hour-Glass. 

The Hour-glass is an emblem of human life. 
Behold how swiftly the sands run, and how 
rapidly our lives are drawing to a close! We 
can not without astonishment behold the little 
particles which are contained in this machine — 
how they pass away almost imperceptibly; and 
yet, to our surprise, in the short space of an 
hour they are all exhausted. Thus wastes man! 
Today he puts forth the tender leaves of hope; 
tomorrow blossoms, and bears his blushing 
honors thick upon him; the next day comes a 
frost which nips the shoot; and while he thinks 
his greatness still aspiring, he falls, like autumn 
leaves, to enrich our mother earth. 

The Scythe. 

The Scythe is an emblem of time, which 
cuts the brittle thread of life and launches us 
into eternity. Behold what havoc the Scythe 



j 2 Masonic Monitor. 

of Time makes among the human race. If by- 
chance we should escape the numerous ills in- 
cident to childhood and youth, and with health 
and vigor arrive at the years of manhood, yet 
withal we must soon be cut down by the all- 
devouring Scythe of Time, and be gathered 
into the land where our fathers have gone 
before us. 




Thus we close the explanation of the emblems 
upon the solemn thought of death, which, with 
out revelation, is dark and gloomy; but we are 
constantly revived by the ever-green and ever- 
living Sprig of Faith which strengthens us, 
with confidence and composure, to look for- 
ward to a blessed immortality; and we doubt 
not that, on the glorious morn of the Resurrec- 
tion, our bodies will rise and become as incor- 
ruptible as our souls. 



Masonic Monitor. 73 

Then let us imitate the good man in his virtu- 
ous and amiable conduct, in his unfeigned piety 
to God, in his inflexible fidelity to his trust, 
that we may welcome death as a kind messenger 
sent from our Supreme Grand Master, to trans- 
late us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, 
glorious and celestial Lodge above, where the 
Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. 



Lecture. 



Charge. 

My Brother — Your zeal for the institution of 
Masonry, the progress you have made in the 
mysteries, and your conformity to our regula- 
tions, have pointed you out as a proper object 
of our favor and esteem. You are now bound, 
by duty, honor and gratitude, to be faithful to 
your trust; to support the dignity of your char- 
acter on every occasion; and to enforce, by pre- 
cept and example, obedience to the tenets of 
the Order. 

In the character of a Master Mason you are 
authorized to correct the errors and irregular- 



74 Masonic Monitor. 

ities of your uninformed brethren, and to guard 
them against a breach of fidelity. To preserve 
the reputation of the Fraternity unsullied must 
be your constant care; and for this purpose it 
is your province to recommend to your inferiors 
obedience and submission; to your equals, cour- 
tesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness 
and condescension. Universal benevolence you 
are always to inculcate, and by the regularity 
of your own behavior afford the best example 
for the conduct of others less informed. The 
ancient landmarks of the Order, entrusted to 
your care, you are carefully to preserve, and 
never sutler them to be infringed, or counte- 
nance a deviation from the established usages 
and customs of the Fraternity. 

Your virtue, honor and reputation are con- 
cerned in supporting with dignity the character 
you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make 
you swerve from your duty, violate your vows 
or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, 
and imitate the example of that celebrated 
artist whom you have this evening represented. 
Thus you will render yourself deserving of the 
honor which we have conferred, and merit the 
confidence that we have reposed in you. 



Masonic Monitor. 75 

FORMS AND CEREMONIES 

RECEPTION OF VISITORS. 

The reception of visitors with the honor due to their 
rank is an ancient custom of the Fraternity which should 
never be omitted. 

I. — Grand Lodge. 

When a v sit from the Grand Lodge is expected, the 
Master will see that a convenient apartment is pr vided 
for the use of the Grand Lodge, where the same can be 
opened in the proper form. On being notified that the . 
Grand Lodge is opened and prepared for the visitation 
the Master, the Lodge being opened on the third degree, 
will send a committee, headed, if possible, by a Past 
Master, with the Masters of Ceremony with their rods, 
the Deacons with their rods, and the Marshal, to escort 
the Grand Lodge. A procession is formed in the fol- 
lowing order: 

Marshall. 
Masters of Ceremony. 
Committee. 
^ Deacons. 

■*---. jfegj The Grand Lodge. 

k On arriving at the door, the Grand Marshal Mill an- 
nounce : 

"The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of " 

The procession enters, the Masters of Ceremony and 
Deacons halt inside the door and cross their rods, the 
committee proceed, followed by the Grand Lodge in the 
inverse order of their rank. When the Grand Master 



76 Masonic Monitor. 

arrives in front of the altar, he halts, and the Grand Lodge 
filing to the right and left form a line across the hall. 
The committee then introduce The Most Worshipful 

Grand Lodge of 

The Grand Master then advances to the East, and the 
Master receives him according to ancient usages, with 
the private Grand Honors of Masonry, and resigns to 
him the chair and the gavel, each other Grand Officer 
taking his station in place of the corresponding officer 
of the Lodge, and the brethren are seated. 

The Grand Master, at his pleasure, resigns the chair 
to the Master, whereupon the other Grand Officers re- 
sign their respective stations to the proper officers of the 
Lodge, and repair to the East, and take' seats on the right 
of the Grand Master. 

The Grand Lodge should retire before the Lodge is 
closed. When the Grand Master announces his inten- 
tion to retire, the Lodge is called up, the Grand Honors 
are given, and the Masters of Ceremony and Deacons 
repair to the door and cross their rods, the Marshal con- 
ducts the procession of the Grand Lodge to the door, 
and salutes as the procession passes him. 

II. — The Grand Master. 

When a visit from the Grand Master is expected, the 
Master will see that a convenient apartment is provided 
for his use and that of his suite. When the Grand Master's 
visit is announced, the Master sends the Marshal, Dea- 
ccns, Masters of Ceremony, and one of the oldest members 
(A Past Master, if practicable), bearing the Book of 
Constitutions, to escort him to the Lodge Room. A 
procession is formed in the following order: 



Masonic Monitor. 77 

Marshal. 

Masters of Ceremony. 

Suite. 

Brother with the Book of Constitutions. 

Grand Master. 

Deacons. 

The Marshal announces to Tyler, Tyler to J. D., and 

J. D. : "The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons 

of ," when the Master calls up the Lodge. 

The Masters of Ceremony stop inside, and cross their 
rods, while the others proceed towards the East. On 
arriving at the altar, the suite opens inwards, the Grand 
Master passes through, and the others, filing to the right 
and left, form a line across the hall. The private Grand 
Honors are then given. The Grand Master advances 
to the East, and the Master receives him, resigns to him 
the chair and the gavel. The suite takes place on the 
right of the Master, and the Lodge is seated. 

The Grand Master may decline to receive the chair 
and gavel, or at his pleasure may resign the same. 

When the Grand Master announces this intention to 
retire, having previously resigned the chair and gavel 
to the Master, the Lodge is called up, the private Grand 
Honors are given and the Master directs the proper officers 
to attend or the escort of the Grand Master The Masters 
of Ceremony hal at the door, cross their rods, and the 
other officers escort the* Grand Master to his ap rtment. 

III. — The Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Etc. 

The form will be the same as for the Grand Master, 
except that the Book of Constitutions will not be borne 
before them. 



78 Masonic Monitor. 



IV. — Other Brethren. 



When a brother visits a Lodge for the first time and 
has been vouched for, the Master will send the Senior 
Deacon to introduce him. That officer conducts him 
to the altar and says: 

"Worshipful Master, I have the pleasure of introducing 
to you Brother , of Lodge , 

The Master calls up the Lodge and says: 

"Brother , it gives me pleasure to in- 
troduce to you the members of Lodge and 

to welcome you to a seat among us. We meet on 

and shall be very glad to welcome you to any of our 
meetings." 

The Senior Deacon conducts the visitor to a seat and 
the Lodge is seated. 

If the visitor is to be examined the W. M. appoints 
a committee, who retire at the door of the preparation 
room, the S. D. passing them out. When the committee 
are ready to report, they make an alarm at the door of 
the preparation room The S. D. attends to it, and re- 
ports that the examining committee desire admission. 
The W. M. directs him to admit them. When he goes 
to the door, if the committee expect to report favorably 
they will introduce the S. D. to the visitor. The commit- 
tee then come in and make their report at the altar that 

they have examined , who claims to be a 

member of Lodge No , under 

the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of and 

find him to be a Master Mason (or, that they are not sat- 
isfied to vouch for him as a worthy Mason). The W. M. 
seats the committee, and asks if there is any objection 
to the admission of as a visitor. Any 



Masonic Monitor. 79 

member of the Lodge has the right to object to the ad- 
mission of a visitor, but the grounds of the objection 
must be stated to the W. M., who shall judge of the suf- 
ficiency thereof. If there be no objection, the W. M. 
directs the S. D. to introduce the brother. The S. D. 
presents him at the altar and introduces him to the W. M. , 
who in turn introduces him to the Lodge in the form above. 
No brother should be allowed to visit a Lodge for the first 
time without an introduction. If the visitor is a Past 
Master, he should be invited to a seat in the East. 

INSTITUTING A LODGE UNDER DISPENSATION. 

The members of the new Lodge, whether they are 
to be instituted by the Grand Master, or by a brother 
deputized by him, will, in either case, be notified by the 
Master to assemble in their Lodge room at the time de- 
termined upon. After the brethren are assembled, the 
Grand Master, or Instituting Officer, will assume the 
East and announce the object of the meeting. He then 
causes the Letter of Dispensation to be read, after which 
the names of the officers appointed by the Grand Master 
and by the Master of the new Lodge will be announced. 
As these names are called, the officers will form in line 
near and facing the East, when each officer will be in- 
vested with his jewel. The new Master wili thexi be 
seated in the East, on the right of the Instituting Officer. 
The Wardens and other officers will take their respective 
stations. The Instituting Officer will then open the 
Lodge on the Third Degree of Masonry, and deliver to 
the officers and brethren the following: 



8o Masonic Monitor. 

Charges to the Officers and Brethren. 

Inst. Off.: Worshipful Master: (Who rises.) The 
Grand Master having committed to your care the su- 
perintendence and government of the brethren who are 
to compose this new Lodge, you can not be insensible 
of the obligations which devolve on you. as their head, 
nor of your responsibility for the faithful discharge of 
the important duties attached to your office. 

The honor, reputation, and usefulness of your Lodge 
will materially depend on the skill and assiduity with 
which you manage its concerns; while the happiness of 
its members will be generally promoted in proportion to 
the zeal and ability with which you propagate the gen- 
uine principles of our institution. 

For a pattern of imitation, consider the sun, which, 
rising in the east, regularly diffuses light and luster to 
all within its circle. In like manner, it is in your province 
to spread and communicate light and instruction to 
the brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly impress upon 
them the dignity and high importance of Masonry: and 
seriously admonish them never to disgrace it. Charge 
them to practice out of the Lodge, those duties which 
they have been taught in it; and by amiable, discreet 
and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind of the good- 
ness of the Institution; so that, when any one is said 
to be a member of it, the world may know that he is 
one to whom the burdened heart may pour out its sor- 
rows, to whom distress may prefer its suit, whose band 
is guided by justice, and whose heart is expanded by 
benevolence. In short, by a diligent observance of the 
by-laws of your Lodge, the Constitution of Masonry, 
and above all, the Holy Scriptures, which are given as 



Masonic Monitor. 8i 

a rule and guide to your faith, you will be enabled to 
acquit yourself with honor and reputation. 

Charge to the Wardens. 

Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens: (Who are 
called up by one knock.) Ycu are too well acquainted 
with the principles of Masonry to warrant any distrust 
that you will be found wanting in the discharge of your 
respective duties. What you have seen praiseworthy 
in others you should carefully imitate, and what in them 
may have appeared defective, you should in yourselves 
amend. You should be examples of good order and 
regularity, for it is only by a due regard to the laws, in 
your own conduct, that you can expect obedience to 
them from others. You are assiduously to assist the 
Master in the discharge of his trust, diffusing light and 
imparting knowledge to all whom he shall place under 
your care. In the absence of the Master you will succeed 
to higher duties; your acquirements must therefore be 
such that the Craft may never suffer for want of proper 
instruction. From the spirit which you have hitherto 
evinced, I entertain no doubt that your future conduct 
will be such as to merit the applause of your brethren, 
and the testimony of a good conscience. 

Charge to the Brethren of the Lodge. 

* * 

Brethren of Lodge, such is the nature of 

our Constitution, that as some must of necessity rule 
and teach, so others must, of course, learn to submit 
and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The 
officers who are appointed to govern the Lodge are suf- 



8.2 Masonic Monitor. 

ficiently conversant with the rules of propriety and the 
laws of the Institution to avoid exceeding the powers 
with which they are intrusted, and you are of too gen- 
erous disposition to envy their preferment. I there- 
fore trust that you will have but one aim, to please each 
other, and to unite in the grand design of being happy 
and communicating happiness. 

Finally, my brethren, as this association has been 
formed and perfected in so much unity and concord, in 
which we greatly rejoice, so may it long continue. May 
you enjoy every satisfaction and delight, which dis- 
interested friendship can afford. May kindness and 
brotherly affection distinguish your conduct as men 
and Masons. Within your peaceful walls, may your 
children, and your children's children celebrate, with 
joy and gratitude, the annual recurrence of this auspic- 
ious solemnity. And may the tenets of our profession 
be transmitted through your lodge, pure and unim- 
paired, from generation to generation. 

Proclamation. 

Instituting Officer: (Calls up Lodge.) In the name 
and by the authority of the Most Worshipful * Grand 
Master of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of 

, I now declare this Lodge duly instituted 

and properly prepared for the transaction of such busi- 
ness as may lawfully come before it. 

Instituting Officer: (Addressing Master.) I now de- 
li ver to ycu the Dispensation empowering you and your 

*If Grand Master institutes the Lodge, in person, he will omit 
what precedes the * and insert "as." 



Masonic Monitor. 83 

brethren to work as a Regular Lodge. You are its cus- 
todian and must see to it that it is present at all Com- 
munications of the Lodge. You must also, as required 
by law, safely transmit it to the Grand Secretary just 
prior to the next Annual Communication of the Grand 
Lodge, and when this is done, Masonic work in this Lodge 
must cease until the Dispensation is continued by the 
Grand Lodge, or until the Lodge is constituted. I now 
deliver to you the gavel of authority; wield it, my brother, 
with prudence and discretion. You will now assume 
your station. 
CONSTITUTING A NEWLY CHARTERED LODGE, 

After the grant of a charter the new Lodge thus created 
should be constituted, and its officers installed, by the 
Grand Master or his Deputy or some past or present 
Master. The Lodge is opened on the Third Degree. 
The Marshal forms the officers of the new Lodge in front 
of the Installing Officer, whereupon the Deputy G. M. 
addresses the G. M. as follows: 

Most Worshipful, a number of brethren, duly instructed 
in the mysteries of Masonry, having assembled together 
for some time past by virtue of a dispensation granted 
them for that purpose, do now desire to be regularly 
constituted as a Lodge agreeably to the ancient usages 
and customs of the Fraternity. 

The charter is presented by the D. G. M. to the Grand 
Master, who examines it and, if correct, proclaims: 

G. M. : The charter appears to be correct and is ap- 
proved. Upon due deliberation the Grand Lodge has 
granted the brethren of this new Lodge a charter es- 
tablishing and confirming them in the rights and privi- 



84 Masonic Monitor. 

leges of a regularly constituted Lodge. We shall now 
proceed according to the ancient usage to constitute 
these brethren into a regular Lodge. 

The officers of the new Lodge deliver up their jewels 
and badges to their Master, who presents them, with 
his own, to the D. G. M. and he to the G. M. 

The D. G. M. then presents the Master-elect to the 
G. M., saying: 

D. G. M. — Most Worshipful, I present to you Brother 

, whom the members of the Lodge now 

to be constituted have chosen for their Master. 

The G. M. asks the brethren if they remain satisfied 
with their choice. (They bow in token of assent.) 

The Master-elect then presents, severally, his War- 
dens and other officers, naming them and their respec- 
tive offices. The G. M. asks the brethren if they remain 
satisfied with each and all of them. (They bow as 
before.) 

The officers and members of the new Lodge form in 
front of the G. M. and the business of consecration com- 
mences. 

The G. M. and Grand Officers form around the Lodge, 
all kneeling. 

A piece of solemn music is performed while the Lodge 
is being uncovered, after which the first clause of the 
consecration prayer is rehearsed by the Grand Chap- 
lain, as follows: 

Great Architect of the L T ni verse; Maker and Ruler 
of all worlds. Deign from Thy Celestial Temple, from 
the realms of light and glory, to bless us in all the pur- 
poses of our present assembly. We humbly invoke 
Thee to give us at this, and at all times, Wisdom in all 



Masonic Monitor. 85 

our doings, Strength of mind in all our difficulties, and 
the Beauty of harmony in all our communications. Per- 
mit us, O Thou author of life and light, great source of 
love and happiness, solemnly to consecrate this Lodge 
to Thy honor and glory. Amen! 

Response by the Officers of the Grand Lodge: 

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 
world without end. Amen! 

The Grand Officers will then rise. 

Consecration. 

The Deputy Grand Master will step forward and pre- 
sent the Vessel of Corn (wheat) to the Grand Master, 
who sprinkles a portion of it upon the symbol o* the 
Lodge, saying: 

May the Giver of every good and perfect gift strengthen 
this Lodge in all its philanthropic undertakings. 

The following may then be sung or read: 

When once of old, in Israel, 

Our brethren wrought with toil, 

Jehovah's blessings on them fell, 

In showers of Corn and Wine and Oil. 

In like manner, the Senior Grand Warden presents 
the Vessel of Wine, which is sprinkled on the Lodge by 
the Grand Master, saying: 

May this Lodge be continually refreshed at. the pure 
fountain of Masonic virtue. 



86 Masonic Monitor. 

The following may then be sung or read: 

When then a shrine to him above 
They built, with worship sin to foil, 

On threshold and on corner-stone 

They poured out Corn and Wine and Oil. 

The Junior Grand Warden then presents the Vessel 
of Oil, which is used in the same manner, the Grand 
Master saying: 

May the Supreme Ruler of the Universe preserve this 
Lodge in peace, and vouchsafe to it every blessing. 

The following may then be sung or read: 

And we have come, fraternal bands, 

With joy and pride and prosperous spoil, 

To honor him by votive hands, 

With streams of Corn and Wine and Oil. 

Each vessel after use is placed upon the table. 

The Grand Master then orders the Officers of the Grand 
Lodge to kneel as before, when the Grand Chaplain will 
rehearse the remaining portion of the consecration prayer: 

Grant, O Lord, our God, that those who are now about 
to be invested with the government of this Lodge may 
be endowed with wisdom to instruct their brethren in 
their duties. May brotherly love, relief and truth always 
prevail among the members of this Lodge. May this 
bond of union continue to strengthen the Lodges through- 
out the world. Bless all our brethren, wherever dis- 
persed, and grant speedy relief to all who are either 
oppressed or distressed. We affectionately commend 
to Thee all the members of this whole famil} ; may they 



Masonic Monitor. 87 

increase in grace, in the knowledge of Thee, and in love 
to each other. Finally, may we finish all our work here 
below, with Thy approbation; and then may our transi- 
tion from this earthly abode be to Thy heavenly Temple 
above, there to enjoy light and glory, and bliss ineffable 
and eternal. Amen! 

Response: (By the Officers of the Grand Lodge.) 
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 
world without end. Amen! 

A short piece of solemn music is then performed, dur- 
ing which the Grand Officers will rise. 

Dedication. 

The Grand Master steps forward, and extending his 
hands over the emblem of the Lodge, exclaims: 

To the memory of the Holy Saints John, we dedicate 
this Lodge. May every brother revere their character 
and imitate their virtues. 

Response: (By the brethren.) As it was in the be- 
ginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. 
Amen! 

The Officers of the Grand Lodge will then about face, 
and stand, while^the brethren of the new Lodge, under 
direction of the Grand Marshal, make a circuit in pro- 
cession, single file, and salute the Grand Officers with 
their hands crossed upon their breasts, left over right, 
and heads slightly bowed while passing. I T pon the 
completion of this ceremony, the brethren will resume 
position, facing inward. The Officers of the Grand 
Lodge will also resume original position. The Grand 
Master will call up, with his gavel, all present, and then 
proceed to 



88 Masonic Monitor. 

Constitute the Lodge. 

Grand Master: In the name of the Most Worship- 
ful Grand Lodge of , I now constitute and 

form you, my beloved brethren, into a Regular Lodge 
of Free and Accepted Masons. From henceforth we 
empower you to meet as a Regular Lodge, constituted 
in conformity to the rites of our institution, and the 
charges of our ancient and honorable Fraternity; and 
may the Supreme Architect of the Universe prosper, 
direct and counsel you in all your doings. 

Response by the brethren: So mote it be. 

The Officers of the Grand Lodge will, under the di- 
rection of the Grand Marshal, give the Full Grand Honors. 
The Grand Marshal will then slowly replace the cover- 
ing on the Lodge, during which a choir should chant — 

"Glory be to God on High " 

The Grand Marshal will then conduct the Grand Master 
to his chair, and instruct the officers of the Grand Lodge 
to resume their respective stations; and the members 
of the new Lodge to resume their seats. During these 
movements, instrumental music should be performed. 

Grand Master: (Calls up the assembly.) Worship- 
ful^Grand Marshal, you will make proclamation that 
Lodge, No , has been regu- 
larly constituted. 

Grand Marshal: I am directed by the Most Worship- 
ful Grand Master to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim, 
that Lodge, No , has been regu- 
larly constituted, and duly registered as such in the 
Grand Lodge of This proclamation is made 



Masonic Monitor. 89 

from the East, (one knock by G. M.); from the West, 
(one knock by the S. G. W.); from the South, (one knock 
by the J. G. W.); once, twice, thrice; the Craft will take 
due notice and govern itself accordingly. The Grand 
Honors are given. 

Grand Master seats the brethren. 



go Masonic Monitor. 



INSTALLATION 

Officers of a New Lodge. 

The new Lodge having been constituted, etc. 
the Grand Master says: 

G. M. : This Lodge having been constituted, 
I will now install its officers. Right Worship- 
ful Deputy Grand Master, collect the official 
jewels, place them upon the altar, and present 

Brother — , who has been elected 

Worshipful Master. 

The Deputy Grand Master now conducts the 
W. M. -elect before the altar, facing the East, 
and says: 

D. G. M. : Most Worshipful Grand Master, 

I present Brother , to be installed 

Worshipful Master of this Lodge.- 

G. M. : Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Mas- 
ter, have you carefully examined the brother, 
and do you find him qualified to discharge the 
duties of the office for which he has been chosen? 

D. G. M.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, 
I find him to be qualified and of good morals, 
of great skill, true and trusty; and, as he is a 



Masonic Monitor. 91 

lover of the Fraternity, I doubt not he will dis- 
charge the duties with fidelity and honor. 

The Grand Master will perform the installa- 
tion service to the end, continuing the cere- 
mony as for annually elected officers, the Deputy 
Grand Master assisting. 

Annually Elected Officers. 

Installing his successor is usually the prerog- 
ative of the retiring Worshipful Master, although 
any Past Master may act as installing officer 
for the occasion. A competent brother (usually 
a Past Master) will be appointed to act as Mar- 
shal, who will present the officers-elect for in- 
stallation. All things being in order, the In- 
stalling Officer says: 

Inst. Off. : Brother Marshal, you will pre- 
sent the Worshipful Master-elect for installa- 
tion. 

Mar.: Worshipful Master, I present Bro her 
, who has been elected Worship- 
ful Master of this Lodge, and is now ready for 
installation. 

Inst. Off.: Brethren, you now behold before 

you Brother , who has been 

elected to serve this Lodge as Worshipful Mas- 
ter, and now declares himself ready for installa- 



92 Masonic Monitor. 

tion. If any of you have any reason to urge 
why he shou d not be installed you will make 
it known now, or forever after hold your peace. 
No objection being offered, I shall now install 
him. 

Inst. Off.: Brother , I congrat- 
ulate you upon your election as Worshipful 
Master of this Lodge, and it will afford me great 
pleasure to invest you with the authority and 
the insignia of your office. Previous to ycur 
investiture, however, it is necessary that you 
signify your assent to those charges and regu- 
lations which point out the duty of the Master 
of a Lodge: 

I. You agree to be a good man and true, 
and strictly to obey the moral law? 

II. You agree to be a peaceable citizen and 
cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country 
in which you reside? 

III. You promise not to be concerned in 
plots and conspiracies against the government, 
but patiently submit to the law and the con- 
stituted authorities? 

IV. You agree to pay a proper respect to 
the civil magistrates, to work diligently, live 
creditably, and act honorably toward all men? 



Masonic Monitor. 93 

V. You agree to hold in veneration the orig- 
inal rulers and patrons of Freemasonry, and 
their regular successors, supreme and subordi- 
nate, according to their stations, and submit 
to the awards and resolutions of your brethren, 
in Lodge convened, in every case consistent 
with the constitutions of the Fraternity? 

VI. You agree to avoid private -piques and 
quarrels, and to guard against intemperance 
and excess? 

VII. You agree to be cautious in your be- 
havior, courteous to your brethren, and faith- 
ful to your Lodge? 

VIII. You promise to respect genuine breth- 
ren, and discountenance impostors and all dis- 
senters from the original plan of Masonry? 

IX. You agree to promote the general good 
of society," to cultivate the social virtues, and 
to propagate the knowledge of the mystic art? 

X. You promise to pay homage to the 
Grand Master for the time being, and to his 
officers when duly installed, and strictly to 
conform to every edict of the Grand Lodge. 

XL You admit that it is not in the power 
of any man, or body of men, to make innova- 
tions in the body of Masonry? 



94 Masonic Monitor. 

XII. You promise a regular attendance 
on the communications of the Grand Lodge, 
on receiving proper notice, and to pay a proper 
attention to all the duties of Masonry, on con- 
venient occasions? 

XIII. You admit that no new Lodge shall 
be formed without permission of the Grand 
Lodge, and that no countenance be given to 
any irregular Lodge, or to any person clan- 
destinely made therein, being contrary to the 
ancient charges of Freemasonry? 

XIV. You admit that no person can be 
regularly made a Mason in, or admitted a mem- 
ber of, any regular Lodge without previous 
notice and due inquiry into his character? 

XV. You agree that no visitor shall be re- 
ceived into your Lodge without due examina- 
tion, or being properly vouched for.? 

These are the regulations of Free and Ac- 
cepted Masons. Do you submit to these charges 
and promise to support these regulations, as 
Masters have done in all ages before you? 

The Master answers: I do. 
•Inst. Off.: Brother , in conse- 
quence of your conformity to the charges and 
regulations of the Fraternity, you are now to 
be installed Master of this Lodge, in full confi- 



Masonic Monitor. 95 

dence of your skill and capacity to govern the 
same. 

The Master is then regularly invested with 
the insignia of his office, and the furniture and 
implements of the Lodge are placed in his 
charge. The various implements of his pro- 
fession are emblematical of his conduct in life, 
and are fully explained, as follows: 

Inst. Off.: The Holy Writings,' that Great 
Light in Masonry, which guides us to all truth, 
directs our path to the temple of happiness, 
and points out the whole duty of man. 

The Square teaches us to regulate our actions 
and harmonize our conduct with the principles 
of morality and virtue. 

The Compasses teach us to limit our desires 
in every station, that, rising to eminence by 
merit, we may live respected and die regretted. 

The Rule directs us to punctually observe 
our duty, press forward in the path of virtue, 
and, inclining neither to the right nor to the 
left, in all our actions to have eternity in view. 

The Line, the emblem of moral rectitude, 
teaches .us to avoid dissimulation in conversa- 
tion and action, and to walk in the path which 
leads to a blessed immortality. 

The Constitution and Laws vou are to search 



go Masonic Monitor. 

at all times and cause to be read in your Lodge, 
that none may pretend ignorance of the ex- 
cellent precepts they enjoin. 

You now receive in charge the Charter, by 
the authority of which this Lodge is held. You 
are carefully to preserve the same and duly 
transmit it to your successor in office. 

You will also receive in charge the By-Laws 
of your Lodge, which you are to see carefully 
and punctually executed. 

The new Master is conducted to the East 
and placed on the right of the Installing Officer 
until the other officers are installed. 

The other officers are then severally pre- 
sented by the Marshal to the Installing Officer, 
who delivers to each his appropriate charge. 

Senior Warden. 

Inst. Off.: Brother , you have 

been elected Senior Warden of this Lodge. Do 
you solemnly promise that you will serve the 
Lodge as Senior Warden for the ensuing year, 
and will perform all the duties appertaining 
to that office to the best of your ability? (He 
assents.) You will now be invested with the 
insignia of your office. 



Masonic Monitor. 97 

The Level teaches that we are descended 
from the same stock, partake of the same na- 
ture, and share the same hope; "that we are 
all children of one common father, heirs of the 
same infirmities, and exposed to the same 
vicissitudes." It also reminds us that, although 
distinctions among men are necessary to pre- 
serve subordination, no eminence of station 
should make us forget that we are brethren, 
and that in the Lodge and in all our Masonic 
associations, we are on a level. This imple- 
ment teaches us that a time will come, and the 
wisest knows not how soon, when all distinc- 
tions but that of goodness, shall cease, and 
death, the grand leveler of all human great- 
ness, reduce us to the same state. 

Your regular attendance on the stated and 
other meetings of the Lodge is essentially nec- 
essary. In the absence of the Master you are 
to govern the Lodge, and in his presence assist 
him in the government of it. Hence you will 
perceive the necessity of preparing yourself for 
the important duties which may devolve upon 
you. Look well to the West, and guard with 
scrupulous care the pillar committed to your 
charge. 

He is conducted to his proper station. 



g8 Masonic' Monitor. 

Junior Warden. 

Inst. Off.: Brother , you have 

been elected Junior Warden of this Lodge. Do 
you solemnly promise that you will serve the 
Lodge as Junior Warden for the ensuing year, 
and will perform all the duties appertaining to 
that office to the best of your ability? (He 
assents.) You will now be invested with the 
insignia of your office. 

The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly 
in our several stations; to do unto others as 
we would have others do to us; to observe the 
just medium between intemperance and pleas- 
ure and make our passions and prejudices coin- 
cide with the line of our duty. 

In the absence of the Master and Senior 
Warden upon you devolves the government of 
the Lodge; but to you is especially committed 
the superintendence of the Craft during the 
hours of refreshment; it is, therefore, not only 
necessary that you should be temperate and 
discreet in the indulgence of your own inclina- 
tions, but carefully observe that none of the 
Craft convert the purpose of refreshment into 
intemperance or excess. Look well to the 
South. Guard with vigilance the pillar com- 



Masonic Monitor. 99 

mitted to your charge, that nothing may dis- 
turb the harmony of the Lodge or mar its 
beauty. 

He is conducted to his station. 
Treasurer. 

Inst Off.: Brother , ,you have 

been elected Treasurer of this Lodge and will 
now *be invested with the jewel of your office. 

It is your duty u to receive all moneys belong- 
ng to the Lodge from the Secretary, keep a 
just and true account ther of, and pay them 
out by order of the Worshipful Master and con- 
sent of the Lodge.'' Your own honor and the 
confidence the brethren repose in you will arouse 
you to that faithfulness in the discharge of the 
duties of your office which its important nature 
demands. 

He is conducted to his station. 

Secretary. 

Inst. Off.: Brother , you have 

been elected Secretary of this Lodge, and will 
now be invested with the jewel of your office. 

It^is your duty to "keep a faithful record of 
all things pertaining to the Lodge, proper to 
be written, transmit a copy of the same to the 



ioo Masonic Monitor. 

Grand Lodge when required, receive all moneys 
due the Lodge and pay them to the Treasurer, 
taking his receipt for the same." 

Your love for the Craft and attachment to 
the Lodge will induce you cheerfully to fulfil 
the very important duties of your office, and 
in so doing you will merit the esteem of your 
brethren. 

He is conducted to his station. 

Chaplain. 

Inst. Off.: Brother , you have 

been appointed Chaplain of this Lodge and will 
now be invested with the jewel of your office. 

It will be your duty to perform those solemn 
services which we should constantly render to 
our infinite Creator, and which, when offered 
by one whose holy profession is "to point to 
heaven and lead the way," may, by refining 
our souls, strengthening our virtues, and puri- 
fying our minds, prepare us for admission into 
the society of those above, whose happiness 
will be as endless as it is perfect. 

He is conducted to his station, which is in 
the' East in front and to the left of the W, M. 



Masonic Monitor. ioi 

The Senior and Junior Deacons. 

Inst. Off.: Brothers and , you 

are appointed Deacons of this Lodge, and are 
now invested with the badge of your office. It 
is your province to attend on the Master and 
Wardens and to act as their proxies in the ac- 
tive duties of the Lodge; such as in the recep- 
tion of candidates into the different degrees of 
Masonry, the introduction and accommodation 
of visitors, and in the immediate practice of 
our rites. The Square and Compasses, as 
badges of your office, I entrust to your care, 
not doubting your vigilance and attention. 

They are conducted to their stations. 

Masters of Ceremonies. 

Inst. Off. : Brothers and , you 

have been appointed Masters of Ceremonies of 
this Lodge, and will now be invested with the 
jewels of your office. The positions to which 
you are assigned in the Lodge are very import- 
ant. You are to assist the Senior Deacon and 
other officers in performing their respective 
duties. Your conduct should be courteous and 
dignified. Remember that in your company 
the candidate will receive his first impressions 
of our institution. Your regular and early at- 



102 Masonic Monitor. 

tendance at our meetings will afford the best 
proof of your zeal and attachment to the Lodge. 
They are conducted to their stations. 

Tyler. 

Inst. Off.: Brother , you have 

been appointed Tyler of this Lodge, and will 
now be invested with the jewel and the imple- 
ment of your office. 

As the sword is placed in the hands of the 
Tyler to enable him effectually to guard the 
Lodge against the approach of cowans and 
eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or re- 
pass except such as are duly qualified and 
have permission of the Worshipful Master, so 
it should morally serve as a constant admoni- 
tion to us to set a guard over our thoughts, a 
watch at our lips, and a sentinel over our actions, 
thereby preventing the approach of every un- 
worthy thought or deed, and preserving con- 
sciences void of offence toward God and toward 
man. Your early and punctual attendance 
will give us the best proof of your appreciation 
of and love for the institution. 

He is conducted to his station . 

The Installing Officer, addressing the Master, 
when presenting the Gavel, explains its power 
and use. 



Masonic Monitor. 103 

One * of which calls *.* * ■ two * calls * * * 
three * calls * * * 

Worshipful Master, behold your brethren. 

Brethren, behold your Master! 

The Grand Honors are then given the W. M. 
by the Lodge, the Marshal leading in the cere- 
mony. 

The brethren are now seated. Then the 
Grand Master or Installing Officer may deliver 
an address or read the following charges, in 
his discretion: 

Worshipful Master: The superintendence and 
government of the brethren who compose this 
Lodge having been committed to your care, 
you can not be insensible of the obligations 
which devolve on you as their head, nor of your 
responsibility for the faithful discharge of the 
important duties annexed to your position. 

The honor, reputation and usefulness of this 
Lodge will materially depend upon the skill 
and assiduity with which you manage its con- 
cerns, while the happ ness of its members will 
be generally promoted in proportion to the 
zeal and ability with which you propagate the 
genuine principles of our institution. 

As a pattern for imitation, consider the great 
uminary of nature, which, rising in the East, 



104 Masonic Monitor. 

regularly diffuses light and luster to all within 
the circle. In like manner, it is your province 
to spread and cummunicate light and instruc- 
tion to the brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly 
impress upon them the dignity and high im- 
portance of Masonry, and seriously admoni h 
them never to disgrace it. Charge them to 
practice out of the Lodge those duties which 
they have been taught in it; and by amiable, 
discreet and virtuous conduct to convince man- 
kind of the goodness of the institution, so that 
when a person is said to be a member of it, the 
world may know that he is one to whom the 
burdened heart may pour out its sorrows, to 
whom distress may prefer its suit, whose hand 
is guided by justice, and whose heart is ex- 
panded by benevolence. 

In short, by a diligent observance of the By- 
Laws of the Lodge, the Constitutions of Free- 
masomy, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, 
which are given as a rule and a guide to your 
faith, you will be enabled to aquit yourself 
with honor and reputation, and lay up a crown 
of rejoicing which shall continue when time 
shall be no more. 

Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens: You 
are too well acquainted with the principles of 



Masonic Monitor. 105 

Masonry to warrant any distrust that you will 
be found wanting in the discharge of your re- 
spective duties. Suffice it so say, that what 
you have seen praiseworthy in others you 
should carefully imitate; and what in them 
may have appeared defective you should in 
yourselves amend. You should be examples 
of good order and regularity; for it is only by 
a due regard to the laws in your own conduct 
that you can expect obedience to them from 
others. You are assiduously to assist the Mas- 
ter in the discharge of his trust, diffusing light 
and imparting knowledge to all whom he shall 
place under your care. In the absence of the 
Master, you will succeed to higher duties; your 
acquirements must therefore be such that the 
Craft may never suffer for want of proper in- 
struction. From the spirit which you have 
hitherto evinced, I entertain no doubt that 
your future conduct will be such as to merit 
the applause of your brethren and the testi- 
mony of a good conscience. 

The Lodge being called up, the Installing 
Officer continues as follows: 

Brethren of Lodge ; Such is the 

nature of our constitution, that as some must 
of necessity rule and teach, so others must, of 



ioo Masonic Monitor. 

course learn to submit and obey. Humility 
in both is an essential duty. The officers who 
are chosen to govern your Lodge are sufficiently 
conversant with the rules of propriety, and the 
laws of the institution to avoid exceeding the 
powers with which they are entrusted, and you 
are of too generous dispositions to envy their 
preferment; I, therefore, trust that you will 
have but one aim — to please each other, and 
unite in the grand design of being happy and 
communicating happiness. 

"Finally, my brethren, as this Lodge has 
been formed and perfected in so much unanimity 
and concord, so may it long continue. May you 
long enjoy every satisfaction and delight which 
disinterested friendship can afford. May kind- 
ness and brotherly affection distinguish your 
conduct as men and as Masons. Within your 
peaceful walls may your children's children 
celebrate, with joy and gratitude the annual 
recurrence of this auspicious solemnity; and 
may the tenets of our profession be transmitted 
through this Lodge, pure and unimpaired, 
from generation to generation." 

The Marshal then makes proclamation from 
the South, West and East in the following 
manner: 



Masonic Monitor. 107. 

"I am directed to proclaim, and I do hereby 
proclaim, that the Worshipful Master, War- 
dens, and other officers, elected and appointed 

of Lodge, have been regularly installed 

into their respective stations. " 



io8 Masonic Monitor. 



LAYING CORNER STONES 

These ceremonies are conducted only by the Grand 
Master in person, or by some brother acting for him, 
under special dispensation, assisted by the officers of 
the Grand Lodge, and such of the Craft as may be in- 
vited, or who may choose to attend, either as Lodges 
or as individual brethren. 

No corner-stone should be laid with Masonic cere- 
monies, except those of acknowledged public struct- 
ures, or buildings which are to be used for Masonic pur- 
poses; and then only by special request of the proper 
authorities. 

The Lodge or Lodges in the place where the build- 
ing is to be erected, may invite such neighboring Lodges, 
and other Masonic bodies, as they may deem proper. The 
Chief Magistrate, and other Officers of the place, should 
also be invited to attend on the occasion. 

At the time appointed for the ceremony, a sufficient 
number of brethren to act as Grand Officers are con- 
vened in a ( suitable place, where a Special Communi- 
cation of the Grand Lodge will be opened on the Third 
degree, and proper instructions given by the Grand Ma- 
ter; after which, the Officers of the Grand Lodge, under 
the direction of the Grand Marshal, will form in the fol- 
lowing order: 



Masonic Monitor. 109 

Grand Tyler, 
(with drawn sword.) 
Master Masons. 
Grand Steward. A Brother. Grand Steward, 

(carrying rod.) (carrying Bible.) (carrying rod.) 

Square and Compasses 
on a cushion.) 
Grand Chaplain. 
Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, 

(carrying scroll, contain- (in charge of the box* 

ing list of articles to be to be deposited un- 

placed under the der the corner- 

corner-stone.) stone.) 

Gr'd Steward, Past Gr'd Officers,** Gr'd Steward, 
(carrying rod.) (in the order of their (carrying rod.) 
^ rank, two abreast.) 

^ Principal Architect, *** 

m (carrying Square, Level and Plumb.) 

<; Jr. Grand Warden, Sr. Grand Warden, 

^ (carrying vessel of oil.) (carrying vessel of wine.) 

_ Deputy Grand Master, 

Jz; (carrying vessel of corn.) 

^ Master of Oldest Lodge, 

O (carrying book of constitutions.) 

Jr. Grand Deacon, Grand Master. Sr. Grand Deacon, 
(carrying rod.) ' (carrying rod.) 

The procession thus formed will proceed to join the 

*This box may be carried by the Treasurer, or be sent in ad- 
vance to the site of the corner stone, as circumstances may dictate. 

**In the absence of Past Grand Officers, these Stewards will sup- 
port the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Warden. 

***If the architect of trie building is not a member oi tbe Masonic 
Fraternity, the Square, Level and Plumb will b carried by a 
brother appointed for the purpose, who will deliver them to the 
architect on arriving at the corner stone. 



no Masonic Monitor. 

general procession, if any, and march to the place where 
the ceremony is to be performed. 

When a procession is composed of other than the offi- 
cers of the Grand Lodge and Master Masons, it should 
be formed in the following order: 
Music. 
Military. 
Civic Societies and Organizations. 
Chief Magistrate, Mayor or other Official Guests. 
Knights Templar Escort.J 
Grand Lodge. 

Should any Masonic body other tLan those above 
named appear, they will be assigned an appropriate place 
in the procession. 

A triumphal arch is usually erected near the place 
where the ceremony is to be performed; and the cor- 
ner-stone should have engraved on its face the words: 
"Laid by the Masonic Fraternity," with the date, the 
year of Masonry, the name of the Grand Master, and 
such other particulars as may be deemed proper. 

When the head of the procession reaches the arch, 
it will open to the right and left, facing inward. The 
Grand Master, uncovering, preceded by the Grand Mar- 
shal and Grand Tyler, and followed by the other Grand 
Officers and the Chief Magistrate and civil officers of 
the place, will pass through the lines and ascend to the 
platform. As the Grand Master and others advance, 
the remainder of the procession wilf counter-march and 
surround the platform. 

The stone should be suspended about six feet from 
its bed, by a machine having suitable arrangements 
for slowly lowering it to its place. Allbeing in readiness — 



Masonic Monitor. hi 

The Grand Master will command silence and address 
the assembly, announcing the purposes of the occasion, 
etc., concluding as follows: 

The teachings of Freemasonry inculcate, that in all 
our works, great or small, begun and finished, we should 
seek the aid of Almighty God. It is our first duty, then 
to invoke the blessing of the great Architect of the Uni- 
verse upon the work in which we are about to engage. 
I therefore command the utmost silence, and call upon 
all to unite with our Grand Chaplain in an address to 
the Throne of Grace. 

The brethren uncover, while the Grand Chaplain 
delivers the following, or some other appropriate 

Prayer. 

Almighty God! who hath given us grace at this time, 
with one accord, to make our common supplication unto 
Thee, and dost promise, that where two or three are 
gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt grant their 
request: fulfill now, O Lord! the desires and petitions 
of Thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; 
granting us in this world, knowledge of Thy truth: and 
in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen! 

Response: So mote it be. 

The choir may then sing an Ode, or a piece of iustrn- 
mental music may be performed. 

Deposit, of Memorials* 

Grand Master: R. W. Brother Grand Treasurer, it 
has ever been the custom, on occasions like the pres- 
ent, to deposit within a cavity in the stone, placed in 
the northeast corner of the edifice, certain memorials 
of the period at which it was erected; so that in the lapse 



1 12 .Masonic Monitor. 

of ages, if the fury of the elements, or the Blow bul cer- 
tain ravages of time, should lay bare its foundation 
an enduring record may be found by succeeding genera- 
tions, to bear testimony to the energy, industry and 
culture of our time. Has such a deposit been prepared? 

Grand Treasurer. It has, Most Worshipful Grand 
Master, and the various articles of which it is composed 
.are safely enclosed within the casket now before you. 

Grand Master. R. W. Grand Secretary, you will read 
for the information of the brethren and other- here as 
sembled, a record of the contents of the casket. 

Grand Secretary reads a list of the articles contained 
in the casket. 

Grand Master. R. W. Grand Treasurer, you will now 
deposit the casket in the cavity beneath the corner- 
stone, and may the Great Architect of the Universe, in 
His wisdom, grant that ages on ages shall pass away ere 
it again be seen of men. 

Grand Treasurer, assisted by the Grand Secretary. 
will place the casket in the cavity prepared, and report: 

Most Worshipful Grand Master, your orders have 
been duly executed. 

Presentation of Working Tools. 

Principal Architect delivers the working tools to the 
Grand Master, who retains the Trowel, and presents 
the Square, Level and Plumb to the Deputy Grand Ma- 
ter, Senior and Junior Grand Warden, respect ively. 
saying: 

Right Worshipful Brethren, you will receive the im- 
plements of your office. With your assistance, and 
that of the Craft, I will now proceed to lay the corner- 



Masonic Monitor. 113 

stone of this edifice, according to the custom of our Fra- 
ternity, Brother Grand Marshal, you will direct the 
Craftsmen to furnish the cement, and prepare to lower 
the stone. 

Laying Stone. 

The Grand Master will then spread a portion of the 
cement. The stone is then lowered slowly, during which 
there should be appropriate music. The Grand Master 
then says: 

Trial of Stone. 

R. W. Deputy Grand Master,- what is the proper im- 
plement of your office? 

D. G. Master: The Square. 

G. M.: What are its moral and Masonic uses? 

D. G. M.: To square our actions by the rule of 
virtue, and prove our work;. 

G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that 
portion of the stone that needs to be proved, and make 
report. 

The square is applied to the four corners. 

D. G. M.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the 
stone to be square. The Craftsmen have done their 
duty. 

G. M.: R. W. Senior Grand Warden, what is the 
proper implement of your office? 

S. G. W.: The Level. 

G. M.; What are its Masonic uses? 

S. G. W.: Morally, it teaches Equality; and by it we 
prove our work. 



ii4 Masonic Monitor. 

G. M.: Apply the implement' of your office to that 
portion of the corner-stone that needs to be proved 
and make report. 

Level is applied to the top surface. 

S. G. W.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find tin- 
stone to be level. The Craftsmen have done their duty. 

G. M.: R. W. Junior Warden, what is the proper im 
plement of your office? 

J. G. W.: The Plumb. 

G. M.: What are its moral and Masonic uses? 

J. G. W.: Morally, it teaches rectitude of conduct; 
and by it we prove our work. 

G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that 
portion of the corner-stone that needs to be proved 
and make report. 

The Plumb is applied to the sides of the stone. 

J. G. W.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the 
stone to be plumb. The Craftsmen have done their 
duty. 

Grand Master (striking the stone three times with 
his gavel), says: 

This corner-stone has been tested by the proper im- 
plements of Masonry. I find that the Craftsmen have 
skillfully and faithfully done their duty; and I do de- 
clare the stone to be well formed and trusty, truly laid 
and correctly proved according to the rules of our Ancient 
Craft. May the building be conducted and completed 
amid the blessings of Plenty, Health and Peace. 

Response by the Craft: So mote it be. 



Masonic Monitor. 115 



Consecration. 



Grand Master: Brother Grand Marshal, you wiyl 
present the elements of consecration to the proper officers. 

Grand Marshal presents vessel of corn to the D. G 
M.; the wine to the S. G. W.; and the oil to the J. G. W. 

Deputy Grand Master advances with the corn, scat- 
tering it on the stone and says: , 

I scatter this corn as an emblem of Plenty; may the 
blessings of bounteous Heaven be showered upon us 
and upon all like patriotic and important undertakings, 
and inspire the hearts of the people with virtue, wisdom 
and gratitude. 

^Response by the Craft: So mote it be. 
jg; Senior Grand Warden advances with the vessel of 
wine, pouring it on the stone and says: 

I pour this wine as an emblem of Joy and Gladness 
May the great Ruler of the Universe bless and prosper 
our National, State and City Governments; preserve 
the union of the States in harmony and brotherly love, 
which shall endure through all time. 

Response by the Craft: So mote it be. 

Junior Warden advances with the vessel of oil, pour- 
ing it on the stone, saying: 

I pour this oil as an emblem of Peace; may its blessings 
abide with us continually; and may the Grand Master 
of Heaven and Earth shelter and protect the widow 
and orphan, and vouchsafe to them, and to the bereaved 
the afflicted and sorrowing everywhere, the enjoyment 
of every good and perfect gift. 
I Response by the Craft: So mote it be. 
% Grand Master, extending his hands, pronounces the 
following invocation: 



n6 Masonic Monitor. 

May corn, wine and oil, and all the necessaries of life 
abound among men throughout the world. May the 
blessing of Almighty God be upon this undertaking. 
May He protect the workmen from every accident. May 
the structure here to be erected, be planned with Wisdom, 
supported by Strength, and adorned in Beauty, and 
may it be preser ed to the latest ages, a monument to 
the energy and liberality of its founders. 

Response by the Craft: So mote it be. 

Proclamation. 

Grand Master: (Addressing Architect.) Worthy sir 
(or brother), having thus, as Grand Master of Masons, 
laid the corner-stone of the structure, I now return to 
you these implements of Operative Masonry (present 
Square, Level and Plumb), having full confidence in 
your skill and capacity to perform the important duties 
confided to you, to the satisfaction of those who have 
entrusted you with their fulfillment. 

The G. M. strikes the stone three times with the gavel, 
and the public Grand Honors are given. 

The Grand Master will then make report of his do- 
ings, as follows: 

I have the honor to report, that in compliance with 
the request of the proper authorities, the corner-stone 

of the building to be erected on this site. 

has been laid successfully, with the ancient ceremonies 
of the Craft. The Brother Grand Marshal will therefore 
make the proclamation. 

Grand Marshal: In the name of the Most Worship- 
ful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the 
State of , I now proclaim that the corner- 



Masonic Monitor. 117 

stone of the structure to be erected, has this day been 
found true and trusty, and laid according to the old 
customs, by the Grand Master of Masons. 

Closing Ode. 

Oration. 
Benediction. 

Glory be to God on High, and on earth peace, good 
will toward men! O Lord, we most heartily beseech 
Thee with Thy favor to behold and bless this assem- 
blage; pour down thy mercies, like the dew that falls 
upon the mountains, upon Thy servants engaged in the 
solemn ceremonies of this day. Bless, we pray Thee, 
all the workmen who shall be engaged in the erection 
of this edifice; keep them from all forms of accidents 
and harm; grant them in health and prosperity to live; 
and finally, we hope, after this life, through Thy mercy 
and forgiveness to attain everlasting joy and" felicity in 
Thy bright mansion, in Thy holy temple, not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens, Amen! 

Response: So mote it be. 

After which, the Grand Lodge, with escort, returns 
to the place whence it started, and is closed. 

The Lodges, and other Masonic bodies, return to their 
respective halls. 



n8 Masonic Monitor. 



DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS 

At the time appointed for the celebration of the cere- 
mony of dedication, the Grand Master and his officers, 
accompanied by the members of the Grand Lodge, meet 
in a convenient room, near to the place where the cere- 
mony is to be performed, and the Grand Lodge is opened 
in ample form. 

The procession is then formed, under direction of the 
Grand Marshal, when the Grand Lodge moves to the 
hall to be dedicated, in the following order: 

Music ; 

Tyler, with drawn sword; 

Stewards, with white rods; 

Master Masons; 

Grand Secretaries; 

Grand Treasurers; 

A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings, Square and 

Compasses, supported by two Stewards, 

with rods; 

Two Burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters; 

Chaplain and Orator; 

Past Grand Wardens; 

Past Deputy Grand Masters; 

Past Grand Masters; 

The Globe; 

Junior Grand Warden, carrying a silver vessel with corn; 



Masonic Monitor. 119 

Senior Grand Warden, carrying a silver vessel with wine; 
Deputy Grand Master, carrying a golden vessel with oil; 

The Lodge, 
Covered with white linen, carried by four Brethren; 
Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying a book of 
Constitutions; 
Grand Master, 
Supported by two Deacons, with rods. 
When the Grand Officers arrive at the center of the 
Lodge room, the Grand Honors are given. 

The Grand Officers then repair to their respective 
stations. 

The Lodge is placed in front of the altar, toward the 
East, and the gold and silver vessels and lights are placed 
around it. 

These arrangements being completed, the following 
or some other appropriate Ode is sung: • 

Master Supreme! accept our praise; 

Still bless this consecrated band; 
Parent of light! illume our ways, 

And guide us by thy sovereign hand. 

May Faith, Hope, Charity, divine, 
Here hold their undivided reign; 

Freindship and- Harmony combine 
To sooth our cares — to banish pain. 

May pity dwell within each breast, 
Relief attend the suffering poor; 

Thousands by this, our Lodge, be blest, 
Till worth, distress'd, shall want no more. 



120 Masonic Monitor. 

The Master of the Lodge to which the hall to be ded- 
icated belongs, then rises, and addresses the Grand 
Master as follows: 

Most Worshipful : The brethren of 

Lodge, being animated with a desire to promote the honor 
and interest of the Craft, have erected a Masonic Hall 
for their convenience and accommodation. They are 
desirous that the same should be examined by the Mosl 
Worshipful Grand Lodge; and if it should meet their 
approbation, that it be solemnly dedicated to Masonic 
purposes, agreeably to ancient form and usage. 

The Architect or Brother who has had the manage- 
ment of the structure then addresses the Grand Master 
as follows: 

Most Worshipful: Having been entrusted with the 
superintendence and management of the w T orkmen em- 
ployed in the construction of this edifice; and having, 
according to the best of my ability, accomplished the 
task assigned me, I now return my thanks for the honor 
of this appointment, and beg leave to surrender up the 
implements which were committed to my care, when 
the foundation of this fabric was laid (presenting to the 
Grand ^Master the Square, Level and Plumb), humbly 
hoping that the exertions which have been made on this 
occasion will be crowned with your approbation, an I 
that of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. 

To which the Grand Master replies: 

Brother Architect: The skill and fidelity displayed 
in the execution of the trust reposed in you at the com- 
mencement of this undertaking, have secured the entire 
approbation of the Grand Lodge; and they sincerely 



Masonic Monitor. 121 

pray that this edifice may continue a lasting monument 
of the taste, spirit, and liberality of its founders. 
The Deputy Grand Master then rises, and says: 
Most Worshipful: The hall* in which we are now as- 
sembled, and the plan upon which it has been constructed, 
having met with your approbation, it is the desire of 
the Fraternity that it should be now dedicated, accord- 
ing to ancient form and usage. 

The Lodge is then uncovered, and a procession is made 
around it in the following form, during which solemn 
music is played. 

Grand Tyler, withdrawn sword; 
Past Master, with light; 
A Past Master, with Bible, Square and Compasses, on 
a velvet cushion; 
Two Past Masters, each with a light; 
Grand Secretary and Treasurer, with emblems; 
Grand Junior Warden, with vessel of corn ; 
Grand Senior Warden, with vessel of wine; 
Deuuty Grand Master, with vessel of oil; 
Grand Master; 
Two Stewards, with rods. 
When the procession arrives at the East, it halts; the 
music ceases, and the Grand Chaplain makes the following 

Consecration Prayer. 

Almighty and ever-glorious and gracious Lord God, 
Creator of all things, and Governor of everything Thou 
hast made, mercifully look upon Thy servants, now 
assembled in Thy name and in Thy presence, and bless 
and prosper all our works begun, continued, and ended 
in Thee. Graciously bestow upon us Wisdom in all 



122 Masonic Monitor. 

our doings; Strength of mind in all our difficulties, and 
the Beauty of harmony and holiness in all our communi- 
cations and work. Let Faith be the foundation of our 
Hope, and Charity the fruit of our obedience to Thy 
revealed will. 

May all" the proper work of our institution that may 
be done in this house be such as Thy wisdom may ap- 
prove and Thy goodness prosper. And, finally, gra- 
ciously be pleased, O Thou Sovereign Architect of the 
Universe, to bless the Craft, wheresoever dispersed, and 
make them truq and faithful to Thee, to their neighbor 
and to themselves. And when the time of our labor is 
drawing near to an end, and the pillar of our strength is 
declining to the ground, graciously enable us to pass 
through the "valley of the shadow of death," supported 
by Thy rod and Thy staff, to those mansions beyond the 
skies where love, and peace, and joy forever reign before 
Thy throne. Amen! 

Response: So mote it be. 

All the other brethren keep their places, and assist 
in singing the Ode, which continues during the pro- 
cession, excepting only at the intervals of dedication. 
Song. 
Tune— Old Hundred. 
Genius of Masonry, descend, 

And with thee bring thy spotless train, 
Constant our sacred rites attend, 
While we adore thy peaceful reign. 

The first procession being made around the Lodge, 
the Grand Master having reached the East, the Grand 
Junior Warden presents the vessel of corn to the Grand 
Master, saying : 



Masonic Monitor. 123 

Most Worshipful : In the dedications of -Masonic 
Halls, it has been of immemorial custom to pour corn 
upon the Lodge, as an emblem of nourishment. I, 
therefore, present you this vessel of corn, to be employed 
by you according to ancient usage. 

The Grand Master then striking thrice with^ his mal- 
let, pours the corn upon the Lodge, saying: 

In the name of the great Jehovah, to whom be all 
honor and glory, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to 
Freemasonry. 

The Grand Honors are given. 

Bring with thee Virtue, brightest maid! 

Bring Love, bring Truth, bring Friendship here; 

While social Mirth shall lend her aid 
To sooth the wrinkled brow of Care. 

The second procession is then made round the Lodge, 
and the Grand Senior Warden presents the vessel of 
wine to the Grand Master, saying: 

Most Worshipful: Wine, the emblem of refresh- 
ment, having been used by our ancient brethren in the 
dedication and consecration of their Lodges, I present 
you this vessel of wine, to be used on the present occasion 
according to ancient Masonic form. 

The Grand Master then sprinkles the wine upon the 
Lodge, saying: 

In the name of thejholy Saints John, I do solemnly 
dedicate this hall to Virtue. 

The Grand Honors are twice repeated. 

Bring Charity! with goodness crowned, 

Encircled in thy heavenly robe! 
Diffuse thy blessings all around, 
To every corner of the Globe! 



124 Masonic Monitor. 

The third procession is then made round the Lodge 
and the Deputy Grand Master presents the vessel of 
oil to the Grand Master, saying: 

Most Worshipful: I present you, to be used accord- 
ing to ancient custom, this vessel of oil, an emblem of 
that joy which should animate every bosom on the com- 
pletion of every important undertaking. 

The Grand Master then sprinkles the oil upon the 
Lodge, saying: 

In the name of the whole Fraternity, I do solemnly 
dedicate this hall to Universal Bene vole ce. 

The Grand Honors are thrice repeated. 
To Heaven's high Architect all praise, 

All praise, all gratitude be given, 
Who deigned the human soul to raise, 
By mystic secrets, sprung from Heaven. 

The Grand Chaplain, standing before the Lodge, then 
makes the following 

Invocation. 

And may the Lord, the giver of every good and per- 
fect gift, bless the brethren here assembled, in all their 
lawful undertakings, and grant to each one of them, 
in needful supply, the corn of nourishment, the wine of 
refreshment and the oil of joy. Amen! 

Response: So mote it be. 

The Lodge is then covered, and the Grand Master 
retires to his chair. 

The following or an appropriate original oration may 
then be delivered, and the ceremonies concluded with 
music. 

Brethren: The ceremonies we have performed are 
not unmeaning rites, nor the amusing pageants of an 



Masonic Monitor. 125 

idle hour, but have a solemn and instructive import. 
Suffer me to point it out to you, and to impress upon 
your minds the ennobling sentiments they are so well 
adapted to convey. 

This Hall, designed and built by Wisdom, supported 
by Strength, and adorned in Beauty, we are first to 
consecrate in the name of the great Jehovah; which 
teaches us, in all our works, begun and finished, to ac- 
knowledge, adore, and magnify Him. It reminds us, 
also, in His fear to enter the door of the Lodge, to put 
our trust in Him while passing its trials, and to hope in 
Him for the reward of its labors. 

Let, then, its altar be devoted to His service, and its 
lofty arch resound with His praise! May the eye which 
seeth in secret witness here the sincere and unaffected 
piety which withdraws from the engagements of the 
world to silence and privacy, that it may be exercised 
with less interruption and less ostentation. 

Our march around the Lodge reminds us of the travels 
of human life, in which Masonry is an elightened, a safe, 
and a pleasant path. Its tessellated pavement of Mosaic- 
work intimates to us the chequered diversity and un- 
certainty of human affairs. Our step is time; our pro- 
gression eternity. 

Following our ancient Constitutions, with mystic rites 
we dedicate this Hall to the honor of Freemasonry. 

Our best attachments are due to the Craft. In its " 
prosperity, we find our joy; and, in paying it honor we 
honor ourselves. But its worth transcends our en- 
comiums, and its glory will outsound our praise. 

Brethren: It is our pride that we have our names on 
the records of Freemasonry. May it be our high ambi- 



126 Masonic Monitor. 

tion that they should shed a lustre on the immortal 
page! 

The hall is also dedicated to Virtue. 

This worthy appropriation will always be duly re- 
garded while the mortal duties which our sublime lectures 
inculcate, with affecting and impressive pertinency, are 
cherished in our hearts and illustrated in our lives. 

As Freemasonry aims to enliven the spirit of Phi- 
lanthropy, and promote the cause of Charity, so we dedi- 
cate this Hall to Universal Benevolence; in the assur- 
ance that every brother will dedicate his affections and 
his ability to the same generous purpose; that while he 
displays a warm and cordial affection to those who are 
of the Fraternity, he will extend his benevolent regards 
and good wishes to the whole family of mankind. 

Such, my brethren, is the significant meaning of the 
solemn rites we have just performed, because such are 
the peculiar duties of every Lodge. I need not enlarge 
upon them now, nor show how they diverge, as rays 
from a center, to enlighten, to improve, and to cheer 
the whole circle of life. Their import and their appli- 
cation are familiar to you all. In their knowledge and 
their exercise may you fulfill the high purposes of the 
Masonic Institution. 

How many pleasing considerations, my brethren, 
attend the pleasant interview! While in almost every 
other association of men, political animosities, conten- 
tions, and wars interrupt the progress of Humanity and 
the cause of Benevolence, it is our distinguished privi- 
lege to dwell together in peace, and engage in*plans to 
perfect individual and social happiness. While in many 
other nations our Order is viewed by politicians with 



Masonic Monitor. 127 

suspicion, and by the ignorant with apprehension, in 
this country, its members are too much respected, and 
its principles too well known, to make it the object of 
jealousy or mistrust. Our private assemblies are unmo- 
lested; and our public celebrations attract a more general 
approbation of the ' Fraternity. Indeed, its importance, 
its credit, and, we trust, its usefulness, are advancing 
to a height unknown in any former age. The present 
occasion gives fresh evidence of the increasing affection 
of its friends; and this noble apartment, fitted up in a 
style of such elegance and convenience, does honor to 
Freemasonry, .as well as reflects the highest credit on 
the respectable Lodge for whose accommodation and 
at -whose expense it is erected. 

We offer our best congratulations to the Worshipful 

Master, Wardens, Officers, and Members of 

Lodge. We commend their zeal, and hope it will meet 
with the most ample recompense. May their Hall be 
the happy resort of Piety, Virtue and, Benevolence! 

May it be protected from accident, and long remain 
a monument of their attachment to Freemasonry! May 
their Lodge continue to flourish; their union to strengthen; 
and their happiness to abound! — And when they, and 
we all, shall be removed from the labors of the earthly 
Lodge, may we be admitted to the brotherhood of the 
perfect, in the building of God, the Hall not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens! 

The Grand Lodge is again formed in procession, as 
at first, returns to the room where it was opened, and 
is closed in ample form. 



I2S Masonic Monitor. 



MASONIC FUNERAL SERVICE 



General Directions. 

1. No Freemason can be buried with the formalities 
of the Fraternity unless it be at his own request or that 
of some of his family, communicated to the Master of 
the Lodge of which he w r as a member at the time of bis 
death, foreigners or sojourners excepted; nor unless he 
has received the Master Mason degree; and to this rule 
there can be no exception. 

2. Fellow Crafts or Entered Apprentices are not 
entitled to these obsequies, nor can they be allowed in 
the procession, as Masons, at a Masonic funeral. 

3. The Master of the Lodge, having receive! notice 
of the death of a brother (the deceased having attained 
the degree of Master Mason), and of his request to be 
buried with the ceremonies of the Craft, fixes the day 
and hour for the funeral (unless previously arranged 
by the friends or relatives of the deceased), and issues 
his order to the Secretary to summon the Lodge. Mem- 
bers of other Lodges may be invited, but they should 
join with the Lodge performing the ceremonies. 

4. Upon the death of a sojourner who had expressed 
a wish to be buried with Masonic ceremonies, the duties 
prescribed in Article 3 w T ill devolve upon the Master 
of the Lodge within whose jurisdiction the death may 
have occurred, i nless there be more than one Lodge 
in the place; and if s the funeral service will be per- 
formed 'by the oldest Lodge, unless otherwise mutually 
arranged. 



Masonic Monitor. 129 

5. Whenever other societies or the military unite 
with Masons in the burial of a Mason, the body of the 
deceased must be in charge of the Lodge having juris- 
diction, and the services should, hi all respects, be con- 
ducted as if none but Masons were present. 

6. If the deceased was a Grand or Past Grand Officer 
the Officers of the Grand Lodge should be invited; when 
the Master of the Lodge having jurisdiction will invite 
the Grand Officer present who has attained the high- 
est rank to conduct the burial service. 

7. The pallbearers should be Masons, and should 
be selected by the Master, with the approval of the family 
of the deceased. If the deceased was a member of a 
Chapter or other Masonic body, a portion of the pall- 
bearers should be taken from these bodies severally. 

8. The Master's gavel, the Warden's columns, the 
Deacons' and Stewards' rods, the Tyler's sword and the 
Marshal's baton, should be trimmed with black crepe. 
The officers of the Lodge and Grand Officers should 
wear their official jewels. The officers and members 
should wear a sprig of evergreen on the left breast. 

9. As soon as the remains are placed in the coffin 
there should be placed upon it a plain white lambskin 
apron. 

10. If a Past or Present Grand Master, Deputy Grand 
Master, or Grand Warden, should join the procession 
of a Lodge, proper attention must be paid to them. They 
take place after the Master of the Lodge. Two Deacons, 
with white rods, should be appointed by the Master 
to attend them. 

11. When the head of the procession shall have ar- 
rived at the place of interment, or where the services 



130 Masonic Monitor. 

are to be performed, the lines should be opened, and 
the highest officer in rank, preceded by the Marshal and 
Tyler, pass through, and the others follow in order. 

12. Upon arriving at the entrance to the cemetery, 
the brethren should march in open order to the tomb 
or grave. If the body is to be placed in the former, the 
Tyler should take his place in front of the open door, 
and the lines be spread so as to form a circle. The coffin 
should be deposited within the circle, and the Stewards 
and Deacons should cross their rods over it. The bearers 
should take their place on either side — the mourners 
at the foot of the coffin, and the Master and other Officers 
at the head. After the coffin has been placed in the 
tomb, the Stewards should cross their rods over the door 
and the Deacons over the Master. If the body is to 
be deposited in the earth, an oblong square should be 
formed around the grave, the body being lowered to 
its place; the Stewards should cross their rods over the 
foot, and the Deacons the head, and retain their places 
throughout the services. 

13. 'W hen a number of Lodges join in a funeral pro- 
cession, the position of the youngest Lodge is at the 
head, or right, of the procession, and the oldest at the 
end, or left, excepting that the Lodge of which deceased 
was a member walks nearest the corpse. 

14. A Lodge in procession is to be strictly under the 
discipline of the Lodge room; therefore no brother can 
enter the procession or leave it without express per- 
mission from the Master, conveyed through the Mar- 
shal. The Lodge is open and not at refreshment. 



Masonic Monitor. 131 

Service in Lodge Room. 

The brethren having assembled at the Lodge room; 
the Lodge will be opened briefly on the Third degree, 
the purpose of the communication must be stated, and 
remarks upon the character of the deceased may be 
made by the Master and brethren, when the service will 
commence, all the brethren standing. 

Master: What man is he that liveth and shall not 
see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the land of 
the grave? 

S. W.: His days are as grass; as a flower of the field 
so he flourisheth. 

J. W.: For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; 
and the place thereof shall know it no more. 

M.: Where is now our departed brother? 

S . W. : He dwelleth in night ; he soj ourneth in darkness . 

J. W.: Man walketh in a vain shadow; he heapeth 
up riches, and can not tell who shall gather them. 

M.: When he dieth, he shall carry nothing away; 
his glory shall not descend after him. 

S. W.: For he brought nothing into the world^and 
it is certain he can carry nothing out. 

J. W.: The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; 
blessed be the name of the Lord. 

M.: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, 
and plenteous in mercy. 

S. W.: God is our salvation; our glory and the rock 
of our strength; and our refuge is in God. 

J. W.: He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor 
rewarded us according to our iniquities. 

M.: Can we offer any precious gift acceptable in the 
of the Lord to redeem our brother? 



132 Masonic Monitor. 

S. W.: We are poor and needy. We are without gift 
Or ransom. 

J. W.: Be merciful unto us, O Lord, be merciful unto 
us; for we trust in Thee. Our hope and salvation are 
in Thy patience. Where else can we look for mercy? 

M.: Let us endeavor to live the life of the righteous 
that our last end may be like his. 

S. W.: The Lord is gracious and righteous; yea, our 
God is merciful. 

J. W.: God is our God forever and ever; He will be 
our guide, even unto death. 

M.: Shall our brother's name and virtues be lost 
upon the earth forever? 

Response: We will remember and cherish them in 
our hearts. 

M.: I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me: 
"Write from henceforth, Blessed are the dead who die 
in the Lord! Even so, saith the spirit; for they rest 
from their labors." 

Here the Master will take the Sacred Roll (a sheet 
of parchment or paper prepared for the purpose), on 
which have been inscribed the name, age, date of initia- 
tion or affiliation, date of death, and any matters that 
may be interesting to the brethren, and shall read the 
same aloud, and shall then say: 

Almighty Father! in Thy hands we leave, with hum- 
ble submission, the soul of our departed brother. 

Response: Amen! So mote it be. 

The Masonic funeral honors should then be given once; 
the brethren to respond: 

The will of God is accomplished. Amen! So mote 
it be. 



Masonic Monitor. 133 

The Master should then deposit the Roll in the archives 
of the Lodge. 

The following or some appropriate Hymn may be sung : 

Ode — Air, Balerma. C. M. 

Few are thy days, and full of woe, 

O man, of woman born! 
Thy doom is written, "Dust thou art, 

And shalt to dust return." 

Behold the emblem of thy state 

In flowers that bloom and die; 
Or in the shadow's fleeting form, 

That mocks the gazer's eye. 

Determined are the days that fly 

Successive o'er thy head; 
The number' d hour is on the wing, 

That lays thee with the dead. 

Great God! afflict not, in Thy wrath, 

The short alloted span 
That boimds the few and weary days 

Of pilgrimage to man. 

The Master or Chaplain will repeat the following or 
some other appropriate prayer: 

Almighty and Heavenly Father! infinite in wisdom, 
mercy and goodness, extend to us the blessings of Thy 
everlasting grace. Thou "alone art a refuge and help 
in trouble and affliction. In this bereavement we look 
to Thee for support and ^consolation. Strengthen our 
belief that Death hath no power over a faithful and 



134 Masonic Monitor. 

righteous soul! Though the dust returneth to the dusi 
as it was, the spirit returneth unto Thee. As we mourn 
the departure of a brother beloved from the circle of our 
Fraternity, may we trust that he hath entered into a 
higher brotherhood, to emerge in nobler duties and in 
heavenly work, to find rest from earthly labor and re- 
freshment from earthly care. May Thy peace abide 
within us, to keep us from all evil! Make us grateful 
for present benefits, and crown us with immortal life 
and honor. And to Thy name shall be all the glory for- 
ever. Amen. 

Response: So mote it be. 

A procession should then be formed, which will pro- 
ceed to the church, or the house of the deceased, in the 
following order: 

Tyler, with drawn sword. 
Masters of Ceremony, with white rods. 
Master Masons. 
Secretary and Treasurer. 
^ Senior and Junior Wardens. 

K Past Masters. 

pi The Chaplain. 

^ The Three Great Lights 

on a cushion, covered with black cloth, carried by a 
member of the Lodge. 
The Master, 
Supported by two Deacons, with white rods. 
When the head of the procession arrives at the en- 
trance to the building, it should halt and open to the 
right and left, forming two parallel lines, when the Mar- 
shal, with the Tyler, will pass through the lines and 
escort the Master or Grand Officer into the house, the 



Masonic Monitor. 135 

brethren closing in and following, thus reversing the 
order of procession; the brethren with heads uncovered. 

Services at Church or House of Deceased. 

After the religious services have been performed, the 
Master will take his station at the head of the coffin, the 
Senior Warden at his right, the Junior Warden at his 
left; the Deacons and Stewards, with white rods crossed, 
the former at the head, and the latter at the foot of the 
coffin, the brethren forming a circle around all, when 
the Masonic service will commence by the Chaplain or 
Master repeating the following or some other appropriate 
prayer, in which all the brethren will join: 

(Scripture can be used here.) 

Prayer. 

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth 
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that 
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. 

Response: So mote it be! 

Master: Brethren, we are called upon by the im- 
perious mandate of the dread messenger Death, against 
whose free entrance within the circle of our Fraternity 
the barred doors and Tyler's weapon offer no impedi- 
ment, to mourn the. loss of one of our companions. The 
dead body of our beloved Brother lies in its narrow house 
before us, overtaken by that fate which must sooner 
or later overtake us all; and which no power or station, 
no virtue or bravery, no wealth or honor, no tears of 



136 Masonic Monitor. 

friends or agonies of relatives can avert; teaching nu 
impressive lesson, continually repeated, yet soon for- 
gotten, that every one of us must ere long pass through 
the shadow of death, and dwell in the house of darkness. 
S. Warden: In the midst of life we are in death; of 
whom may we seek succor but of Thee, O Lord, who for 
our sins art justly displeased. Thou knowest, Lord, 
the secrets of our hearts; shut not Thy merciful ears to 
our prayer. 

J. Warden: Lord, let me know my end, and m^ 
number of my days; that I may be certified how long I 
have to live. 

Master: Man that is born of a woman is of few days 
and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and 
is cut down; he fieeth also as a shadow, and continueth 
not. Seeing his days are determined, the number of 
his months is with Thee; Thou hast appointed his bounds 
that he can not pass; turn from him that he may rest, 
till he shall accomplish his day. For there is a hope of 
a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and 
that the tender branch thereof will not cease. But 
man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the 
ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from the 
sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up, so man 
lieth down, and riseth not till the heavens be no more. 

S. Warden: Our life is but a span long, and the daya 
of our pilgrimage are few and full of evil. 

J. Warden: So teach us to number our days ihat 
we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 

Master: Man goeth forth to his work and to his labor 
until the evening of his day. The labor and work of 
our brother are finished. As it hath pleased Almighty 



Masonic Monitor. 137 

God to take the soul of our departed brother, may he 
find mercy in the great day when all men shall be judged 
according to the deeds done in the body. We must 
walk in the light while we have light; for the darkness 
of death may come upon us at a time when we may not 
be prepared. Take heed, therefore, watch and pray; 
for ye know not when the time is; ye know not when 
the Master cometh — at even, at midnight, or in the morn- 
ing. We should so regulate our lives by the line of 
rectitude and truth that in the evening of our days we 
may be found worthy to be called from labor to refersh- 
ment, and duly prepared for a translation from the 
terrestrial to the celestial Lodge, to join the Fraternity 
of the spirits of just men made perfect. 

S. Warden: Behold, O Lord, we are in distress! Our 
hearts are turned within us; there is none to comfort 
us; our sky is darkened with clouds, and mourning and 
lamentations are heard among us. 

J. Warden: Our life is a vapor that appeareth for 
a little while, and then vanisheth away. All flesh is as 
grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. 
The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. 

Master: It is better to go to the house of mourning 
than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end 
of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. 

Response: So mote it be! 

Ode — Air, Naomi. 

Here Death his sacred seal hath set, 

On bright and by-gone 'hours; 
The dead we mourn are with us yet, 

And — more than ever — ours! 



138 Masonic Monitor. 

Ours, by the pledge of love and faith; 

By hopes of heaven on high; 
By trust, triumphant over death, 

In immortality. 

The dead are like the stars by day, 

Withdrawn from mortal eye; 
Yet holding unperceived their way 

Through the unclouded sky. 

By them, through holy hope and love, 

We feel, in hours serene, 
Connected with the Lodge above, 

Immortal and unseen. 

The service may be concluded with the following, or 
some other suitable prayer: 

Most Glorious God, Author of all good and Giver of all 
mercy, pour down Thy blessings upon us, and strengthen 
our solmen engagements with the ties of sincere affec- 
tion. May the present instance of mortality remind 
us of our own approaching fate, and, by drawing our 
attention toward Thee, the only refuge in time of need, 
may we be induced to so regulate our conduct here that 
when the awful moment shall arrive at which we musi 
quit this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of Thy 
mercy may dispel the gloom of death, and that after 
our departure hence in peace and Thy favor, we may be 
received into Thine everlasting kingdom, and there join 
in union with our friends, and enjoy that uninterrupted 
and unceasing felicity which is allotted to the souls of 
just men made perfect. Amen! 

Resposne: So mote it be! 



Masonic Monitor. 139 

If the remains of the deceased are to be removed to 
a distance, where the brethren can not follow to per- 
form the ceremonies at the grave, the procession will 
return to the Lodge room or disperse, as most conven- 
ient. 

Service at Grave. 
When the solmen rites of the dead are to be performed 
at the grave, the procession should be formed, and pro- 
ceed to the place of interment in the following order: 
Tyler, with drawn sword. 
Masters of Ceremony, with white rods. 
Musicians, 
if they are Masons; otherwise they follow the Tyler. 

Master Masons. 
|^ Secretary and Treasurer. 

Senior and Junior Wardens. 
P3 Past Masters. 

^ Chaplain. 

The Three Great Lights, 

on a cushion, covered with black cloth, carried by a 

member of the Lodge. 

The Master. 

Supported by two Deacons with white rods. 

Officiating Clergy. 



Pall Bearers, jili Pall Bcarera> 



Mourners. 



Ho Masonic Monitor. 

If the deceased was a member of a Royal Arch Chapter 
and a Commandery of Knights Templar, and members 
of those bodies should unite in the procession, clothed 
as such, the former will follow the Past Masters, and 
the latter will act as an escort or guard of honor to the 
corpse, outside the pallbearers, marching in the form 
of a triangle, the officers of the Commandery forming 
the base of the triangle, with the Eminent Commander 
in the center. 

When the procession has arrived at the place of in- 
terment the members of the Lodge should from a square 
around the grave; when the Master, Chaplain and other 
officers of the acting Lodge, take their position at the 
head of the grave, and the mourners at the foot. 

After -the clergyman has performed the religious ser- 
vice of the Church, the Masonic service should begin. 

The Chaplain rehearses the following, or some other 
suitable 

Prayer. 

Almighty and most merciful Father, we adore Thee 
as the God of time and eternity. As it hath pleased 
Thee to take from the light of our abode one dear to 
our hearts, we beseech Thee to bless and sanctify unto 
us this dispensation of Thy providence. Inspire our 
hearts with wisdom from on high, that we may glorify 
Thee in all our ways. May we realize that Thine All- 
Seeing Eye is upon us, and be influenced by the spirit 
of truth and love to perfect obedience — that we may 
enjoy Thy divine approbation here below. And when 
our toils on earth shall have ended, may we be raised 
to the enjoyment of fadeless light and immortal life in 
that kingdom where faith and hope shall end, and love 



Masonic Monitor.. 141 

and joy prevail through eternal ages. And Thine, O 
righteous Father, shall be the glory forever. Amen! 

Response: So mote it be. 

The following exhortation is then given by the Master: 

The solemn notes that betoken the dissolution of this 
earthly tabernacle have again alarmed our outer door, 
and another spirit has been summoned to the land where 
our fathers have gone before us. 

Again we are called to assemble among the habita- 
tions of the dead, to behold the "narrow house appointed 
for all living." Here, around us, in that peace which 
the world can not give or take away, sleep the unnum- 
bered dead. The gentle breeze fans their verdant cov- 
ering, they heed it not; the sunshine and the storm pass 
over them, and they are not disturbed; stones and let- 
tered monuments symbolize the affection of surviving 
friends, yet no sound proceeds from them, save that 
silent but thrilling admonition, "Seek ye the narrow 
path and the straight gate that lead unto eternal- life." 

We are again called upon to consider the uncertainty 
of human life, the immutable certainty of death, and 
the vanity of all human pursuits. Decrepitude and 
decay are written upon every living thing. The cradle 
and the coffin stand in juxtaposition to each other; and 
it is a melancholy truth that so soon as we begin to live, 
that moment we also begin to die. It is passing strange 
that, notwithstanding the daily mementos of mortality 
that cross our path — notwithstanding the funeral bells 
so often toll in our ears and the "mournful processions" 
go about our streets — we will not more seriously con- 
sider our approaching fate. We go on from design to 
design, add hope to hope, and lay out plans for the em- 



142 Masonic Monitor. 

ployment of many years, until we are suddenly alarmed 
at the approach of the Messenger of death, at a moment 
when we least expect him, and which we probably con- 
clude to be the meridian of our existence. 

What, then, are all the externals of human dignity — 
the power of wealth, the dreams of ambition, the pride 
of intellect, or the charms of beauty — when Nature has 
paid her just debt? Fix your eyes on the last sad scene, 
and view life stripped of its ornaments, and exposed in 
its natural weakness, and you must be persuaded by 
the utter empitness of these delusions. In the grave, 
all fallacies are detected, all ranks are leveled, all dis- 
tinctions are done away. Here the scepter of the prince 
and the staff of the beggar are laid side by side. 

Our present meeting and proceedings will have been 
vain and useless, if they fail to excite our serious reflec- 
tions, and strengthen our resolutions of amendment. 

Be then persuaded, my brethren, by this example of 
the uncertainty of human life, of the unsubstantial nature 
of all its pursuits, and no longer postpone the all-im- 
portant concern of preparing for eternity. Let us each 
embrace the present moment, and while time and op- 
portunity permit, prepare for that great change when 
the pleasures of the world be as a poison to our lips, 
and the happy reflection consequent upon a well-spent 
life afford the only consolation. 

Thus shall our hopes be not frustrated, nor we be 
hurried unprepared into the presence of that all-wise 
and powerful Judge, to whom the secrets of all hearts 
are known. Let us resolve to maintain with sincerity 
the dignified character of our profession May our faith 
be evinced in a correct moral walk and deportment; 



Masonic Monitor. 143 

may our hope be bright as the glorious mysteries that 
will be revealed hereafter; and our Charity boundless 
as the wants of our fellow-creatures. And, having 
faithfully discharged the great duties which we owe to 
God, to our neighbor, and to ourselves, when at last it 
shall please the Grand Master of the Universe to summon 
us unto His eternal presence, may the Trestleboard of 
our whole lives pass such inspection that it may be given 
unto each of us to "eat of the hidden manna" and to 
receive the "white stone with a new name" that will 
insure perpetual and unspeakable happiness at His right 
hand. 

The Lambskin being removed from the coffin the 
Master holds it up and says: 

W. M.: The Lambskin, or white leathern Apron, is 
an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason; more 
ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; more 
honorable than Star and Garter, when worthily worn. 
This emblem I -now deposit in the grave of our deceased 
brother. (Deposits it.) By it we are reminded of that 
purity of life and conduct so essentially necessary to 
gaining admission to the Celestial Lodge above, where 
the Supreme Architect of the L T niverse presides. 

The mattock, the coffin, and the melancholy grave 
admonish us of our mortality, and that, sooner or later, 
these frail bodies must moulder in their parent dust. 

The Master, holding the evergreen, continues: 

This evergreen, which once marked the temporary 
resting-place of the illustrious dead, is an emblem of 
our faith in the immortality of the soul. By it we are 
reminded that we have an immortal part within us, 
that shall survive the grave, and which shall never, 



i44 Masonic Monitor. 

never, never die. By it we are admonished that, though, 

like our brother whose remains lie before us, we shall 
soon be clothed in the habiliments of death, and deposi- 
ted in the silent tomb, yet, through our belief in the 
mercy of God, Ave may confidently hope that our souls 
will bloom in eternal spring. This, too, I deposil in 
the grave. 

The brethren then move in procession round the place 
of interment, and severally drop the sprig of evergreen 
into the grave, during which the following may be sung: 

Funeral Dirge. 

Hark! from the tombs a doleful sound! 

Mine ears attend the cry: 
"Ye living men, come view the ground 

Where you must shortly lie. 

Princes! this clay must be your bed, 

In spite of all your towers; 
The tall, the wise, the reverend head, 

Must lie as low as ours." 

Great God! Is this our certain doom! 

And are we still secure? 
Still walking downward to the tomb, 

And yet prepared no more? 

Grant us the power of quick'ning grace, 

To fit our souls to fly; 
Then, when we drop this dying flesh 

We'll rise above the sky. 



Masonic Monitor. 145 

Or the following: 

Pleyel's Hymn. 

Solemn strikes the fun'ral chime, 

Notes of our departing time; 
As we journey here below 

Through a pilgrimage of woe. 

Mortals, now indulge a tear, 

For mortality is here! 
See how wide her trophies wave 

O'er the slumbers of the grave! 

Here another guest we bring! 

Seraphs of celestial wing, 
To our funeral altar come, 

Waft our friend and brother home. 

Lord of all! below — above — 

Fill our hearts with truth and love; 

When dissolves our earthly tie 
Take us to Thy Lodge on high. 

After which the Masonic funeral honors are given. 

The Grand Honors, practiced among Masons at fun- 
erals, whether in public or private, are given in the fol- 
lowing manner: Both arms are crossed on the breast, 
the left uppermost, and the open palms of the hands 
sharply striking the shoulders; they 'are then raised 
above the head, the palms striking each other, and then 
made to fall smartly on the thighs. This is repeated 
three times, and while they are being given the third 
time, the brethren audibly pronounce the following 



146 Masonic Monitor. 

words — when the arms are crossed on the breast: "We 
cherish his memory here;" when the hands are extended 
above the head: "We commend his spirit to God who 
gave it;" and when the hands are extended toward the 
ground: "And consign his body to the grave." 

The Master then continues the ceremony: 

The Great Creator, having been pleased to remove 
our brother from the cares and troubles of this transi- 
tory existence to a state of endless duration, thus sev- 
ering another link from the fraternal chain that binds 
us together, may we who survive him be more strongly 
cemented in the ties of union and friendship; and, during 
the short space allotted us here may we wisely and use- 
fully employ our time, and, in the reciprocal intercourse 
of kind and friendly acts, mutually promote the welfare 
and happiness of each other. 

Unto the grave we consign his body — earth to earth; 
ashes to ashes; dust to dust — there to remain until the 
trump shall sound on the Resurrection morn. We can 
trustfully leave him in the hands of Him who doeth all 
things well, who is "glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, 
doing wonders." 

To those of his immediate relatives and friends who 
are most heart-stricken at the loss we have all sustained, 
we have but little of this world's consolation to offer; 
we can only sincerely, deeply and most affectionately 
sympathize with them in their afflictive bereavement : 
but we can say, that He who tempers the wind to the 
shorn lamb looks down with infinite compassion upon 
the widow and fatherless in the hour of their desolation; 
and that the great Architect will fold the arms of His 



Masonic Monitor. 147 

love and protection around those who put their trust 
in Him. 

Then let us improve this solemn warning, so that, 
when the sheeted dead are stirring, when the great white 
throne is set, we shall receive from the Omniscient Judge 
the thrilling invitation, "Come, ye blessed, inherit the 
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the 
world." 

The services will close with the following or some 
other suitable 

Prayer. 

Most Glorious God, Author of all good and Giver of 
all mercy, pour down Thy blessings upon us, and strength- 
en our solemn engagements with the ties of sincere affec- 
tion. May the present instance of mortality remind us 
of our own approaching fate, and, by drawing our at- 
tention toward Thee, the only refuge in time of need, 
may we be induced to so regulate our conduct here that 
when the awful moment shall arrive at which we must 
quit this transitory scene, the enhvening prospect of 
Thy mercy may dispel the gloom of death, and that 
after our departure hence in peace and Thy favor, we 
may be received into Thine everlasting kingdom, and 
there enjoy that uninterrupted and unceasing felicity 
which is allotted to the souls of just men made perfect. 
"Bless those who are bereaved by this sad providence, 
and* make this brotherhood faithful to their solemn 
vows, to comfort, aid, and protect those thus left to their 
sacred charge." 

And now, O Lord, we pray for Thy hand to lead us 
in all the paths our feet must tread; and when the jour- 
ney of life is ended, may light from our immortal home 



148 Masonic Monitor. 

illuminate the dark valley and shadow of death, and 
voices of the loved ones \velcome us to that "house not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Amen. 

Response: So mote it be. 

The Master then approaches the head of the grave 
(or the entrance of the tomb), and gently says: 

Soft and safe to thee, my brother, be this earthly bed. 
Bright and glorious be thy rising from it. Fragrant 
be the acacia sprig that here shall flourish. May the 
earliest buds of spring unfold their beauties on this, 
thy resting place; and here may the sweetness of the 
summer's rose linger latest. Though the cold blast 
of autumn may lay them in the dust, and for a time 
destroy the loveliness of their existence, yet the destruc- 
tion is not final, and in the springtime they shall surely 
bloom again. So, in the bright morning of the world's 
resurrection, thy mortal frame, now laid in the dust 
by the chilling blast of death, shall spring again into 
newness of life, and expand, in immortal beauty, in 
realms beyond the skies. Until then, dear brother, 
until then, farewell. 

The Bedediction will then be pronounced by the Mas- 
ter, or Chaplain, as follows: 

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make His 
face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us. The 
Lord lift up the light of His countenance, and give us 
peace. Amen. 

Response: So mote it be. 

End of Service at Grave. 
In very inclement weather service at the graye can 
be shortened by omitting any part of the ceremony ex- 
cept the apron, acacia and honors. 



Masonic Monitor. 149 

ANOTHER SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 

At the grave the Lodge forms a circle or semicircle. 
The Master and other officers of the Lodge take their 
position at the head of the grave; the Tyler behind the 
Master, and the mourners at the foot. The religious 
burial service of the church (if there be any) should 
be first performed, after which the Masonic service be- 
gins: 

The following passage of Scripture, from Ecclesias- 
tes, chapter xii, verses 1-7, is read- 
Chaplain: Remember now thy Creator in the days 
of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years 
draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in 
them; while the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the 
stars be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the 
rain; in the day when the keepers of the house shall 
tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and 
the grinders cease because they are few and those that 
look out of the windows be darkened; and the doors 
shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grind- 
ing is low; and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, 
and all the daughters of music shall be brought low; 
also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and 
fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, 
and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall 
fail; because man goeth to his long home, and~the mourn- 
ers go about the streets; or ever the silver cord be loosed, 
or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken 
at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then 
shall the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit 
shall return unto God who gave it. 



150 Masonic Monitor. 

Master: One by one they pass away — the brothers 
of our adoption, the companions of our choice. A brother 
whose hand we have clasped in the bonds of fraternal 
fellowship now lies before us in the rigid embrace of 
death. All that remains of one near and dear to us is 
passing from our sight, and we know that we shall 
meet on earth no more. 

We, who knew him so well in our brotherhood, feel 
that in his departure from among the living, something 
has gone out of our own lives that can never be again. 
Thus, as human ties are broken, the world becomes less 
and less, and the hope to be reunited with friends who 
are gone, grows more and more. Here is immediate 
compensation, which, while it can not assuage our grief, 
may teach resignation to the inevitable doom of all things 
mortal. 

While we stand around the open grave, in the pres- 
ence of a body once, and so lately, warm with life and 
animate with thought, now lingering for a brief moment 
at the dark portal of the tomb — like a beam of holy 
light the belief must come, this can not be all there is 
of day. Stricken human nature cries out: There must 
be a dawn beyond this darkness and a never setting sun, 
while this short life is but a morning star. 

The cycles of Time roll with the procession of seasons. 
Spring is bloom; summer is growth; autumn is fruition; 
winter is the shroud, and beneath its cold, yet kindly 
fold, live the germs of a new life. Spring comes again; 
growth matures, and fruit is eternal. This is the reli- 
gion and lesson of Nature, and the universal example 
can not fail in relation to man. Let us draw comfort 
and consolation from things visible in this sad scene, 



Masonic Monitor. 151 

and lift our eyes to the invisible Father of all with re- 
newed faith that we are in his Holy Hands. Besides 
His infinitude of worlds, we have also his word, "That 
He is All, and All-upholding." 

We can do nothing for the dead. We can only offer 
respect to our brother's inanimate clay, and cherish 
his memory in the abiding faith that our temporary loss 
is his eternal gain. In this belief let us commit him 
with due reverence to the keeping of the All-Father, 
who is supreme in wisdom, infinite in love, and order- 
eth all things well. 

(Family service to be omitted in case no relatives of 
the deceased are present.) 

While we pay this tribute of respect and love to the 
memory of our late brother, let us not forget to extend 
our fraternal sympathy to his deeply afflicted and sor- 
rowing family (wife, children, father, mother, brothers, 
sisters, as the relatives may be present.) As he, for 
whom we are all mourners, was true to us, and faithful 
to the ties of our brotherhood, so shall we be true to you 
in the practice of the principles of Freemasonry and 
in tender memory of your loved one. We owe a grate- 
ful acknowledgement to you for this social companion- 
ship and service, and we mingle our sorrows w T ith yours, 
at parting with him. 

Master: "May we be true and faithful; and may we 
live and die in love!" 

Response: "So mote it be." 

Master: "May we profess what is good, and always 
act agreeable to our profession!" 

Response: "So mote it be." 



152 Masonic Monitor. 

Master: "May the Lord bless us and prosper us, 
and may all our good intentions be crowned with suc- 
cess." 

Response! "So mote it be." 

The apron is taken from the coffin and handed to the 
Master; and while the coffin is being lowered into the 
grave, either of the following funeral dirges may be sung — 
the one used, to be selected and announced before leav- 
ing the lodge-room: 

Funeral Dirge. 

Air — Pleyel'a Hymn. 

Solemn strikes the funeral chime, 
Notes of our departing time, 
As we journey here below 
Through a pilgrimage of woe. 

Mortals, now indulge a tear. 
For mortality is here; 
See how wide her trophies wave 
O'er the slumber of the grave! 

Here another guest we bring; 
Seraphs of celestial wing, 
To our funeral altar come, 
Waft our friend and brother home. 

Lord of all! below — above — 
Fill our hearts with truth and love; 
When dissolves our earthly tie, 
Take us to Thy Lodge on high. 



Masonic Monitor. 153 

Hark, From the Tombs. 

Hark, from the tombs, a doleful sound, 
Mine ears attend the cry: 
"Ye living men, come view the ground 
Where you must shortly he. 

"Princes, this clay must be your bed, 

In spite of all your towers; 
The tall, the wise, the reverend head 
Must lie as low as ours." 

Great God! Is this our certain doom? 

And are we still secure? 
Still walking downward to the tomb, 

And yet prepared no more? 

Grant us the power of quick'ning grace, 

To fit our souls to fly; 
Then, when we drop this dying flesh, 

We'll rise above the sky. 

At the conclusion of the singing, the Master, display- 
ing the apron, continues: 

The lambskin, or white leathern apron, is an emblem 
of innocence, and the badge of a Mason; more honor- 
able than the crown of royalty, or the emblazoned in- 
signia of princely orders, when worthily worn. 

The Master drops the apron into the grave* 

Our brother was worthy of its distinction, and it shall 
bear witness to his virtues, and our confidence in the 
sincerity of his profession. 



154 Masonic Monitor. 

W. M.: (Taking off his white glove and holding it 
up.) This Glove is a symbol of fidelity and is emble- 
matic of that Masonic friendship which bound us to him 
whose tenement of clay now lies before us. It reminds 
us that while these mortal eyes shall see him not again, 
yet, by the practice of the tenets of our noble order and 
a firm faith and steadfast trust in the Supreme Archi- 
tect, we hope to clasp once more his vanished hand in 
friendship and in love. (Deposits glove.) Those whom 
virtue unites, death can never separate. 

The Master, displaying an evergreen sprig, continues: 
The Evergreen is emblematic of our Faith in Immor- 
tality. 

This green sprig is the symbol of that vital spark of 
our being which continues to glow more divinely when 
the breath leaves the body, and can never, never, never 
die. 

The Master drops the evergreen in the grave, and the 
Brothers each make a similar deposit, with as little con- 
fusion as possible. 

If the place is convenient, they march around the 

grave in a line. When all are again settled in their places, 

the public Grand Honors are given by three times three. 

The will of God is accomplished; so mote it be, Amen! 

The Master then continues: 

Change is the universal law of mortality, and the theme 
of every page of its history. Here we view the most 
striking illustration of change that can be presented to 
mortal eyes, minds and hearts. Ties of fraternity. 
friendship, love, all broken, and earthly pursuits, hopes 
and affections laid waste by death. Let us profit by 
this example of the uncertainty of the world, and resolve 



Masonic Monitor. 155 

to live honest, pure and useful lives in daily prepara- 
tion for the summons that will, sooner or later, surely- 
come. It came to our brother, whose remains we have 
here laid away to rest, and reminds us that we, too, are 
mortal — subject to the universal law. Our brother is 
dead, and can not speak for himself. Let us defend 
his good name. Frailties he may have had, as what 
mortal man has not? To err is human, charity is Di- 
vine, and judgment is with the Almighty and All-Merci- 
ful. In this resting place of the body, virtues only are 
remembered, and sweet memories bloom. 

All must pass through the Shadow of Death, and each 
one must make the dark journey without the compan- 
ionship of earthly friend. Let us all hasten to secure 
the passport of an upright life, to the glories of a better 
land. Unto the grave we have resigned the body of 
our brother. 

The Master scatters a handful of earth in the grave. 

Farth to earth; dust to dust (the S. W. scatters dirt- 
in the grave) ; ashes to ashes (the J. W. scatters dirt in 
the grave) ; there to remain until the dawn of that re- 
splendent day, when again, the morning stars shall sing 
together, and all the sons of God shall shout for joy. 

Prayer by the Chaplain. 

Chaplain: Almighty and eternal God, in whom we 
live and move, and have our being — and before whom 
all men must appear, in the judgment day to give an 
account of their deeds in life, we, who are daily exposed 
to the flying shafts of death, and now surround the grave 
of our fallen brother, most earnestly beseech Thee to 
impress deeply on our minds the solemnities of this day, 
as well as the lamentable occurrence that has occasioned 



156 Masonic Monitor. 

them. Here may we be forcibly reminded that in the 
midst of life we are in death, and that whatever eleva- 
tion of charcater we may have obtained, however up- 
right and square the course we have pursued, yet shortly 
we must all submit to the humbling level of the tomb. 
until the last trump shall sound the summons of our 
resurrection from mortality to immortality. 

May we have Thy divine assistance, merciful God, 
to redeem our mis-spent time; and in the discharge of 
the important duties Thou hast assigned us, in the erec- 
tion of our moral edifice, may we have wisdom from oil 
high to direct us, strength commensurate with our taste 
to support us, and the beauty of holiness to adorn and 
render all our performances acceptable in Thy sight. 
And when our work is done, and our bodies mingle with 
the mother earth, may our souls, disengaged from their 
cumbrous dust, flourish and bloom in eternal day; and 
enjoy that rest which Thou hast prepared for all good 
and faithful servants, in that spiritual house not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens, through the great 
Redeemer. Amen. 

So mote it be. Amen! 

Fill grave. 

W. M.: Soft and safe, my brother, be this thy earthly 
bed. Bright and glorious be thy rising from it. In 
the glorious morning of the resurrection may thy body 
spring again into newness of life, to live forever in the 
home of the blest. Until then, dear brother, farewell. 

Benediction. 

Chaplain: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord 
make his face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us, 



Masonic Monitor. 157 

The Lord lift up the light of his countenance and give 
up peace. Amen. 

RITUAL FOR A LODGE OF SORROW. 

The following Ritual for a Lodge of Sorrow is recom- 
mended for use in the Lodges. While necessarily of a 
funeral character, it differs essentially from the burial 
service. In the latter case, we are in the actual presence 
of the departed, and engaged in the last rites of affec- 
tion and respect for one who has been our companion 
in life and whose mortal remains we are about to con- 
sign to their last resting-place. The Lodge of Sorrow, 
on the contrary, is intended to celebrate the memory 
of our departed brethren; and while we thus recall to our 
recollection their virtues, and temper anew our reso- 
lutions so to live, that, when we shall have passed the 
silent portals, our memories may be cherished with grate- 
ful remembrance, we learn to look upon death from a 
more elevated point of view; to see in it the wise and 
necessary transition from the trials and imperfections 
of this world, to the perfect life for which our transient 
journey here has been the school and the preparation. 
Vocal and instrumental music are indispensable to the 
proper effect of the ceremony. The brethren should 
wear dark clothing, and white gloves and aprons. There 
is no necessity for any attempt at secrecy in the cere- 
monies of Sorrow Lodges. They may be held in churches 
or public halls, or in the presence of friends at the Lodge 
room, with benefit to all concerned. 



158 Masonic Monitor. 

Preparation of the Hall. 

I. The Lodge room should be appropriately draped 
in black, and the several stations covered with the same 
emblem of mourning. 

II. On the Master's pedestal is a skull and lighted 
taper. 

III. In the center of the room is placed the cata- 
falque, which consists of a rectangular platform, about 
six feet long by four feet wide, on which are two smaller 
platforms, so that three steps are represented. On the 
third one should be an elevation of convenient height, 
on which is placed an urn. The platform should be 
draped in black, and a canopy of black drapery may 
be raised over the urn and platform. 

IV. At each corner of the platform will be placed 
a candlestick, bearing a lighted taper, and near it, fac- 
ing the East, will be seated a brother, provided with 
an extinguisher, to be used at the proper time. 

V. During the first part of the ceremonies the lights 
in the room should burn dimly. 

VI. Arrangements should be made to enable the 
lights to be increased to brilliancy at the appropriate 
point in the ceremony. 

VII. On the catafalque will be laid a pair of white 
gloves, a lambskin apron, and if the deceased brother 
had been an officer, the appropriate insignia of his office. 

VIII. Where the Lodge is held in memory of several 
brethren, shields bearing their names are placed around 
the catafalque. 



Masonic Monitor. 159 

Opening the Lodge. 

The several officers being in their places, and the breth- 
ren seated, the Worshipful Master will call up the Lodge 
and say: 

W. M.: Brother Senior Warden, for what purpose 
are we assembled? 

S. W.: To honor the memory of those brethren whom 
death hath taken from us; to contemplate our own ap- 
proaching dissolution; and, by the remembrance of im- 
mortality, to raise our souls above the considerations 
of this transitory existence. 

W. M.: Brother Junior Warden, what sentiments 
should inspire the souls of Masons on occasions like the 
present? 

J. W.: Calm sorrow for the absence of our breth- 
ren who have gone before us; earnest solicitude for our 
own eternal welfare, and a firm faith and reliance upon 
the wisdom and goodness of the Great Architect of the 
Universe. 

W. M.: Brethren, commending these sentiments to 
your earnest consideration, and invoking your assis- 
tance in the solemn ceremonies about to take place, I 
declare this Lodge of Sorrow opened. 

The Chaplain, or Worshipful Master, will then offer 
the following, or some other suitable 

Prayer. 

Grand Architect of the Universe, in whose holy sight 
centuries are but as days; to whose omniscience the past 
and the future are but as one eternal present; look down 
upon Thy children, who still wander among the delusions 
of time — who still tremble with dread of dissolution, 



160 Masonic Monitor. 

and shudder at the mysteries of the future; look down, 
we beseech Thee, from Thy glorious and eternal day 
into the dark night of our error and presumption, and 
suffer a ray of Thy divine light to penetrate into our 
hearts, that in them may awaken and bloom the cer- 
tainty of life, reliance upon Thy promises and assurance 
of a place at Thy right hand. Amen. 

Response: So mote it be. 

The following, or some other appropriate Ode may 
here be sung: 

Ode. 

Tune — Bradford, C. M. 
O brother, thou art gone to rest; 

We will not weep for tine: 
For thou art nowhere, oft on earth, 

Thy spirit longed to be. 

brother, thou art gone to rest ; 

Thy toils and cares are o'er; 
And sorrow, pain, and suffering now 

Shall ne'er distress thee more. 

O brother, thou art gone to rest, 
'?' And this shall be our prayer: 
That, when we reach our journey's end, 
Thy glory we shall share. 

The Worshipful Master (taking the skull in his hand) 
will then say: 

Brethren: In the midst of life we are in death, and 
the wisest can not know what a day may bring forth. 



Masonic Monitor. 161 

We live but to see those we love passing away into the 
silent land. 

Behold this emblem of mortality, once the abode of 
a spirit like our own; beneath this mouldering canopy 
once shone the bright and busy eye; within this hollow 
cavern once played the ready, swift, and tuneful tongue; 
and now, sightless and mute, it is eloquent only in the 
lessons it teaches us. 

Think of those brethren, who but a few days since, 
were among us in all the pride and power of life; bring 
to your minds the remembrance of their wisdom, their 
strength, and their beauty; and then reflect that "to 
this complexion have they come at last;" think of your- 
selves, thus will you be when the lamp of your brief 
existence has burned out. Think how soon death, for 
you, will be a reality. Man's life is like a flower, which 
blooms today, and tomorrow is faded, cast aside, and 
trodden under foot. The most of us, my brethren, are 
fast approaching or have already passed the meridian 
of life; our sun is setting in the West; and oh! how much 
more swift is the passage of our declining years than 
when we started upon the journey, and believed — as 
the young are too apt to believe — that the roseate hues 
of the rising sun of our existence were always to be con- 
tinued. When we look back upon the happy days of 
our childhood, when the dawning intellect first began 
to exercise its powers of thought, it seems as but yester- 
day, and that, by a simple effort of the will, we could 
put aside our manhood, and seek again the loving caresses 
of a mother, or be happy in the possession of a bauble; 
and could we now realize the idea that our last hour had 
come, our whole earthly life would seem but as the space 



1 62 Masonic Monitor. 

of time from yesterday until today; Centuries upon 
centuries have rolled away behind us; before us stretches 
out an eternity of years to come, and on the narrow- 
boundary between the past and the present nickers the 
puny taper we term our life. When we came into the 
world, we knew naught of what had been before us; 
but, as we grew up to manhood, we learned of the past; 
we saw the flowers bloom as they had bloomed for cen- 
turies; we beheld the orbs of day and night pursuing 
their endless course among the stars, as they had pur- 
sued it from birth of light; we learned what men had 
thought, and said, and done, from the beginning of the 
world to our day, but only through the eye of faith can 
we behold what is to come hereafter, and only through 
a firm reliance upon the Divine promises can we satisfy 
the yearnings of an immortal soul. The cradle speaks 
to us of remembrance — the coffin, of hope, of a blessed 
trust in a never-ending existence beyond the gloomy 
portals of the tomb. 

Let these reflections convince us how vain are all the 
wranglings and bittnerness engendered by the collisions 
of the world; how littie in dignity above the puny wrang- 
lings of ants over a morsel of food, or for the possession 
of a square inch of soil. 

What shall survive us? Not, let us hope, the petty 
strifes and bickerings, the jealousies and heart-burn- 
ings, the small triumphs and mean advantages we have 
gained, but rather the noble thoughts, the words of truth, 
the works of mercy and justice, that ennoble and light 
up the existence of every honest man, however humble, 
and live for good when his body, like this remnant of 
mortality, is mouldering in its parent dust. 



Masonic Monitor. 163 

Let the proud and the vain consider how soon the 
gaps are filled that are made in society by those who 
die around them; and how soon time heals the wounds 
that death inflicts upon the loving heart; and from this 
let them learn humility, and that they are but drops 
in the great ocean of humanity. 

And when God sends his angel to us with the scroll 
of death, let us look upon it as an act of mercy, to pre- 
vent many sins and many calamities of a longer life; 
and lay down our heads softly and go to sleep, with- 
out wrangling like fro ward children. For this at least 
man gets by death, that his calamities are not immor- 
tal. To bear grief honorably and temperately, and to 
die willingly and nobly, are the duties of a good and true 
Mason. 

Ode. 

Tune — Naomi. C. M. 

When those we love are snatched away, 

By Death's relentless hand, 
Our hearts the mournful tribute pay, 

That friendship must demand. 

While pity prompts the rising sigh, 

With awful power imprest; 
May this dread truth, "I too must die," 

Sink deep in every breast. 

Let this vain world allure no more 

Behold the opening tomb! 
It bids us use the present hour; 

Tomorrow death may come. 



164 Masonic Monitor. 

The voice of this instructive scene 

Mav every heart obey; 
Nor be the faithful warning vain 

Which calls to watch and pray. 

At its conclusion the Chaplain will read the following 



Lo, He goeth by me and I see Him not. He passeth 
on also, but I perceive Him not. Behold He taketh 
away, who can hinder Him? 

Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and ful^ 
of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut 
down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. 
Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months 
are with Thee; Thou hast appointed his bounds that 
he can not pass; turn from him that he may rest, till 
he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day. For there 
is hope of a tree if it be cut down, that it will sprout 
again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 
Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the 
stock thereof die in the ground, yet through the scent 
of water it will bud and bring forth boughs like a plant. 
But man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up 
the ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from 
the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up, so man 
lieth down, and riseth not; till the heavens be no more 
they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. 

My days are passed, my purposes are broken off, even 
the thoughts of my heart. If I wait, the grave is mine 
house; I have made my bed in the darkness. I have 
said to corruption, thou art my father. And where is 
now my hope? As for my hope, who shall see it? They 



Masonic Monitor. 165 

shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest to- 
gether is in the dust. 

My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh. Oh, 
that my words were now written; Oh, that they were 
printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron 
pen and lead in the rock forever! For I know that my 
Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter 
day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms 
destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. Whom 
I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and 
not another. 

For Thou cast me into the deep, in the midst of the 
seas; and Thy floods compassed me about; all Thy bil- 
lows and Thy waves passed over me. Then I said, I 
am cast out of Thy sight; yet will I look again toward 
Thy holy temple. The waters compassed me about, 
even to the soul, the depth closed me around about, the 
weeds were wrapt about my head. 

I said, in the cutting off of my days I shall go to the 
gates of the grave! I am deprived of the residue of 
my years; I said, I shall not see the Lord; even the Lord 
in the land of the living; I shall behold man no more 
with the inhabitants of the world. Behold, for peace 
I had great bitterness; but Thou hast in love to my soul 
delivered it from the pit of corruption. For the grave 
can not praise Thee, death can not celebrate Thee; the 
living, the living, he shall praise Thee as I do this day. 

Are not my days few? Cease, then, and let me alone, 
that I may take comfort a little, before I go whence I 
shall not return, even to the land of darkness, and the 
shadow of death. A land of darkness, as darkness it- 



166 Masonic Monitor. 

self; and of the shadow of death, without any order, 
and where the light is as darkness. 

An interval of profound silence will be observed. The 
general lights of the hall, if there be convenience, will 
be turned low, and the four brethren will extinguish the 
tapers near which they are placed. 

Prayer by the Chaplain. 

Our Father who art in heaven, it hath pleased Thee 
to take from among us those who were our brethren. 
Let time, as it heals the wounds thus inflicted upon our 
hearts and on the hearts of those who were near and 
dear to them, not erase the salutary lessons engraved 
there; but let those lessons, always continuing distinct 
and legible, make us and them wiser and better. And 
whatever distress or trouble may hereafter come upon 
us, may we ever be consoled by the reflection that Thy 
wisdom and Thy love are equally infinite, and that our 
sorrows are not the visitations of Thy wrath, but the 
result of the great law of harmony by which everything 
is being conducted to a good and perfect issue in the 
fullness of Thy time. Let the loss of our brethren in- 
crease our affection for those who are yet spared to us, 
and make us more punctual in the performance of the 
duties that friendship, love and honor demand. When 
it comes to us also to die, may a firm and abiding trust 
in Thy mercy dispel the gloom and dread of dissolution. 
Be with us now, and sancitfy the solemnities of this oc- 
casion to our hearts, that we may serve Thee in spirit 
and understanding. And to Thy name shall be ascribed 
the praise forever. Amen. 

Response: So mote it be. 



Masonic Monitor. 167 

The Wardens, Deacons and Stewards, will now ap- 
proach the East and form a procession, thus: 

Two Stewards, with rods. 
Two Wardens. 
The Worshipful Master, supported by the Deacons 
with rods. 

This procession will move once around the catafalque 
to slow and solemn music. On arriving at the East, 
the procession will halt and open to the right and left. 
The Junior Warden will then advance to the catafalque, 
and, placing upon it a bunch of white flowers, will say: 

Junior Warden: In memory of our departed breth- 
ren I deposit these white flowers, emblematical of that 
pure life to which they have been called, and remind- 
ing us that as these children of an hour will droop and 
fade away, so, too, shall we soon follow those who have 
gone before us, and inciting us so to fill the brief span 
of our existence that we may leave to our survivors a 
sweet savor of remembrance. 

The Junior Warden will now return to his place, and 
an interval of profound silence will be observed. The 
procession will again be formed, and move as before, 
to the sound of slow music, twice around the catafalque. 
They will open as before, and the Senior Warden approach- 
ing the catafalque will place upon it a wreath of white 
flowers, and say: 

Senior Warden: As the sun sets in the West, to close 
the day and herald the approach of night, so one by one 
we lay us down in the darkness of the tomb to wait in 
its calm repose for the time when the heavens shall pass 
away as a scroll, and man, standing in the presence of 
the Infinite, shall realize the true end of his pilgrimage 



i68 Masonic Monitor. 

here below. Let these flowers be to us the symbol of 
remembrance of all the virtues of our brethren who have 
preceded us to the silent land, the token of that fraternal 
alliance which binds us while on earth and which we 
hope will finally unite us in heaven. 

The Senior Warden returns to his place, and an in- 
terval of profound silence will be observed. The pro- 
cession will again be formed, and move three times around 
the catafalque to slow and solemn music, as before. Ar- 
rived in the East, the Worshipful Master will advance 
and place upon the Urn a wreath of evergreen, and say: 

Worshipful Master: It is appointed unto all men 
once to die, and after death comet h the resurrection. 
The dust shall return to the earth and the spirit unto 
God who gave it. In the grave all men are equal; the 
good deeds, the lofty thoughts, the heroic sacrifices alone 
survive and bear fruit in the lives of those who strive to 
emulate them. 

While, therefore, nature will have its way, and our 
tears will fall upon the graves of our brethren, let us 
be reminded by the evergreen symbol of our faith in 
immortal life that the dead are but sleeping, and be 
comforted by the reflection that their memories will 
not be forgotten; that they will still be loved by those 
who are soon to follow them; that in our archives their 
names are written, and that in our hearts there is still 
a place for them. * And so, trusting in the infinite love 
and tender mercy of Him without whose knowledge 
not even a sparrow falls, let us prepare to meet them 
where there is no parting, and where with them we shall 
enjoy eternal rest. 

The Worshipful Master will return to his place, and 



Masonic Monitor. 169 

a period of silence will obtain. The Chaplain will now 
be conducted to the altar, where he will read: 

But some man will say: How are the dead raised 
up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, 
that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die; 
and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body 
that shall be, tiut bear grain; it may chance of wheat 
or of some other grain; but God giveth it a body as it 
hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body. 

All flesh is not the same flesh; but there is one kind 
of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, 
and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies 
and bodies terrestrial; but the glory of the celestial is 
one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of 
the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star 
differeth' from another star in glory. So also is the res- 
urrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is 
raised in incorruption ; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised 
in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 
it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. 
There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 
And so it is written, the first man Adam was made, a 
living soul, the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 
Howbeit, that was not first which is spiritual, but that 
which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 
The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man 
is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are 
they also that are earthy; as is the heavenly, such are 
they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the 
image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the 
heavenly. > r- i 



i/O Masonic Monitor. 

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood can 
not inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corrup- 
tion inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mys- 
tery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; 
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; 
for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised 
incorruptible, and we shall be changed.* For this cor- 
ruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must 
put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall 
have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass 
the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in vic- 
tory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where 
is thy victory? 

As the Chaplain pronounces the concluding words, 
"O grave, where is thy victory," the lights in the hall 
will be raised to brilliancy, the four brethren seated around 
the catafalque will relight the tapers, while a strain of 
triumphant music will be played. 

The Chaplain will return to his place in the East, and 
the following, or some other appropriate Ode, will be 
sung to music of more cheerful character: 

Ode — Tune: Cary. 

One sweetly solemn thought 

Comes to me o'er and o'er; 
I am nearer home today 

Than I ever have been before. 

Nearer my Father's house, 

Where the many mansions be; 

Nearer the great white throne; 
Nearer the crystal sea. 



Masonic Monitor. 171 

Nearer the bound of life, 

Where we lay our burdens down; 

Nearer leaving the cross; 
Nearer gaining the crown. 

But lying darkly between, 

Winding down through the night, 

Is the deep and unknown stream, 
That leads at last to the light. 

Father, perfect my trust! 

Strengthen the might of my faith; 
Let me feel as I would when I stand 

On the rock of the shore of death. 

Feel as I would when my feet 

Are slipping over the brink; 
For it may be, I am nearer home — 

Nearer now than I think. 

The Orator will then pronounce the Eulogium. 

Then follows the following, or some other appropriate 
Ode: 



Ode — Tune: Old Hundred. L. M. 

Once more, O Lord, let grateful praise 
From ev'ry heart to Thee ascend; 

Thou art the guardian of our days, 

Our first, our best and changeless friend. 



172 Masonic Monitor. 

Hear now our parting hymn of praise, 
And bind our hearts in love divine; 

Oh, may we walk in wisdom's ways 
And ever feel that we are Thine. 

Closing. 

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Warden, our recol- 
lection of our departed friends has been refreshed, and 
we may now ask ourselves, were they just and perfect 
Masons, worthy men, unwearied toilers in the vineyard, 
and possessed of s many virtues as to overcome their 
faults and shortcomings? Answer these questions, as 
Masons should answer. 

Senior Warden: Man judgeth not of man. He whose 
infinite and tender mercy passeth all comprehension, 
whose goodness endureth forever, has called our breth- 
ren hence. Let Him judge. 

In ancient Egypt, no one could gain admittance to 
the sacred asylum of the tomb until he had passed under 
the most solemn judgment before a grave tribunal. 

Princes and peasants came here to be judged, escorted 
only by their virtues and their vices. A public accuser 
recounted the history of their lives, and threw the pene- 
trating light of truth on all their actions. If it were 
adjudged that the dead man had led an evil life, his mem- 
ory was condemned in the presence of the nation and 
his body was denied the honors of sepulture. But Ma- 
sonry has no such tribunal to sit in judgment upon her 
dead; with her, the good that her sons have done lives 
after them; and the evil is interred with their bones. 
She does require, however, that whatever it said con- 
cerning them shall be the truth: and should it ever happen 



Masonic Monitor. 173 

that of a Mason, who dies, nothing good can be truth- 
fully said, she will mournfully and pityingly bury him 
out of her sight in silence. 

Worshipful Master: Brethren, let us profit by the 
admonitions of this solemn occasion, lay to heart the 
truth to which we have listened, and resolve so to walk 
that when we lay us down to the last sleep it may be the 
privilege of the brethren to strew white flowers upon 
our graves and keep our memories as a pleasant remem- 
brance. 

Brother Senior Warden: Announce to the brethren 
that our labors are now concluded, and that it is my 
pleasure that this Lodge of Sorrow be closed. 

Senior Warden: Brother Junior Warden, the labors 
of this Lodge of Sorrow being ended, it is the pleasure 
of the Worshipful Master that it be now closed. Make 
due announcement to the brethren, and invite them to 
assist. 

Junior Warden, (calling up the Lodge), Brethren, 
the labors of this Lodge of Sorrow being ended, it is the 
pleasure of the Worshipful Master that it be now closed. 

W. M.: Let us unite with our Chaplain in an invo- 
cation to the Throne of Grace. 

* * * 

W. M.: This Lodge of Sorrow is now closed. 



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